Giving racehorses plenty of time between races leading into any major event has become a common practice among American trainers, and so it goes with the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As always, there is so much on the line in this year’s Breeders’ Cup: bragging rights, year-end championships, the front end of outsized purses, and residual boosts in breeding value that can make the front end of some of those outsized purses look like chump change. Those are just some of the things at stake in this Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs.

Oh yes, the fight for the soul of the history of Thoroughbred racing in the United States is also at stake.

Wait, what?

CHURCHILL DOWNS, Oct. 31

Weather: Cloudy
Temp.: 62
Track: Fast
Turf: Good

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With heavy rain forecast beginning early Wednesday afternoon and expected to continue through Thursday, there was action on the Churchill Downs main track and over the turf course with the start of Breeders’ Cup 2018 only 48 hours away.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will run eight horses in Breeders’ Cup races this weekend at Churchill Downs, and if fans had to pick just one as their best bet, many would land on Marley’s Freedom in the $1 million Filly and Mare Sprint.

“I’ve had a lot of favorites on Breeders’ Cup Day where I’ve gotten the big donut,” Baffert said. “You’re just hoping to win one. It’s like the baseball playoffs – I just hope I don’t get shut out.”

KEY CONTENDERS

Accelerate, by Lookin At Lucky
Last 3 Beyers: 100-115-111

◗ He’s 5 for 6 this year, his lone loss coming in the Oaklawn Handicap when beaten a neck by City of Light, who runs Saturday in the Dirt Mile.

◗ He’s won all three of his races at 1 1/4 miles this year.

West Coast, by Flatter
Last 3 Beyers: 97-NA-117

Four of the seven head-to-head wagers that Breeders’ Cup will offer during its two-day event on Friday and Saturday will pit U.S.-based horses against European-based horses, according to a roster of the bets released on Wednesday.

The four U.S-based vs. Europe-based head-to-head bets will be offered on the Juvenile Fillies Turf and Juvenile Turf, both scheduled for Friday, and the Filly and Mare Turf and the Mile, scheduled for Saturday.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Past editions of the Breeders’ Cup Distaff forged memories to be savored like fine wine. There was Personal Ensign nosing out Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors to finish her career unbeaten, with Kentucky Oaks winner Goodbye Halo chasing them home. The “Iron Lady” Lady’s Secret rolling wire to wire to cap her Horse of the Year campaign, a distinction Azeri would secure years later with a victory in the same race. Zenyatta completing a perfect season, with the best yet to come.

Bellafina, by Quality Road
Last 3 Beyers: 89-75-94

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The future is now.

An additional Breeders’ Cup race for 2-year-olds plus the clever decision to package all of the now five Breeders’ Cup races for 2-year-olds on one card has produced the inaugural Future Stars Friday for the Breeders’ Cup, highlighted by the Juvenile.

Game Winner, by Candy Ride
Last 3 Beyers: 97-93-83

◗ Undefeated two-time Grade 1 winner has won all three of his starts from six furlongs to 1 1/16 miles.