King: How I'd play Breeders' Cup Friday
The first of two Breeders’ Cup days are upon us Friday, leaving horseplayers as giddy as children eating chocolate this Halloween evening. Here’s how I plan to play the races today at Santa Anita, specifically the Breeders’ Cup events.
Race 6: Juvenile Turf
Oh please, let the morning line stick on 8-1 COMMEMORATIVE. This horse is a really attractive value play, being a horse that already has won twice at a mile overseas and with a favorable draw in post 4.
I’m encouraged that his connections were so quick to stretch him out, debuting him at seven furlongs before bringing him up to a mile. This is in contrast to many of his European counterparts, who have largely raced six furlongs or shorter.
:: BREEDERS’ CUP 2014: Post positions, comments, and odds
It suggests to me his connections view him as a stayer with quality – not merely a precocious type.
I’ll play him to win and use him in exactas with WAR ENVOY, HOOTENANNY, and LUCK OF THE KITTEN.
Also plan to play a small pick four using Commemorative, GOLDENCENTS (#1) in the Dirt Mile, OSAILA (#2) and SIVOLIERE (#6, 12-1) in the Juvenile Fillies; and UNTAPABLE (#10) and CLOSE HATCHES (#11) in the Distaff.
Race 8: Juvenile Fillies Turf
My other play today is another Euro: Osaila (#2, 5-1) in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. Like Commemorative, she drew well, landing in post 2, and the form she established in Britain and Ireland is highly encouraging.
Though she has not yet gone a mile, she is a winner at seven furlongs, and her favorite jockey, Frankie Dettori, is aboard. He has been up for all three of her victories.
:: DRF Live: Real-time updates from the Breeders’ Cup, including live video coverage
She should be a square price with SUNSET GLOW (#3. 7-2) likely to go favored.
Sivoliere (#6, 12-1) is an intriguing longshot, worthy of use in the gimmicks, though her overseas form isn’t quite as striking as that of the top choice. She adds Lasix and shows a steady set of drills at Belmont for her new trainer, Chad Brown.