The next few weeks will see an exciting end to the horse racing season. After the recent Kentucky Derby, more thrills are on their way with the Preakness Stakes on the horizon as we count down to the Breeders’ Cup in November.

The Preakness Stakes

It’s taking place a little bit later this year, but on October 3, the Preakness Stakes will be held at Pimlico. The race is even more important this year as it provides a passport for the winner to the Breeders’ Cup Classic due to be held on November 7, more of which later.

First run in 1873, this is a crucial race in the US racing calendar. There is no doubt over who is the form pick for this race. The current favorite is Authentic, fresh from his win in the Kentucky Derby in early September. That was his fifth race, and Authentic has only been beaten in one of them. 

He had a real fight on his hooves when winning the Kentucky Derby. Authentic led as he loves to do so but was overtaken only to rally like a true champion does to get the win over Tiz The Law, who re-opposes in this race. That loss to Authentic was only the second in eight races for the Barclay Tagg runner. A close battle between the two again looks likely, but he has a length-and-a-half to find on the favorite.

Also fancied in the Preakness is Art Collector, who is the current third favorite. Now trained by Thomas Drury Jr, this runner is bidding to win a sixth consecutive race and his fifth this year. Can he get the win at Pimlico and then line up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic?

The ante-post odds are already available on the big races at the numerous online bookmakers. If you want to join one or more of these sites, it is useful to get some information on them. You can find out more about the online gambling sites and what they have to offer. Particular interest will, of course, be on those sites that offer the best horse racing odds.

All eyes on Keeneland

The Breeders’ Cup is the meeting that all-American horse-racing fans look forward to. Actually, fans all over the world will have their eyes on Keeneland on November 3 and 4. Horses from around the globe will be taking part in some of the richest races you’ll see all year.

Known as the World Championships, the 2020 event is the 37th edition of this great set of races. There are 14 in all, and only one of them isn’t a Grade 1 race. There may not be any spectators present, but all the races will be televised, so get your snacks ready for a great day’s viewing.

The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

The top two-year-olds will be battling it out in this race. Whoever wins is likely to be back in Kentucky in 2021 as one of the favorites for the Derby. This looks a very open race, and the current favorite is Jackie’s Warrior, who is unbeaten in three races. The most recent win came at Saratoga earlier this month, landing the Grade 1 Runhappy Hopeful Stakes. That race was won by two and a quarter length, but he was eased down in the final furlong.

Strong opposition to the favorite will come from Dr. Schivel. Batman fans will know that was an alias used by the arch-enemy of the week, Mr. Freeze. Is the champagne on ice for this Luis Mendez runner, who has won his last two races, including a victory in the Grade 1 Runhappy Del Mar Futurity?

The Breeders’ Cup Classic

There’s a whole series of great races to look forward to over the two days. The Classic is the top race on day two with a prize fund of $7m, making it the richest race in the Breeders’ Cup. Who will come out the winner this year? 

Well, the Preakness Stakes will give us a fair few clues as to both Authentic and Tiz The Law are strongly fancied for the Classic. Breeding is so important in racing, and no horse in this race is better bred than Tiz The Law. His sire is Tiznow, who is the only horse ever to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic on two occasions. You won’t find horses that rear or are hard to catch (except in the racing sense).

Maximum Security is another leading runner in this race. He has won all three of his races this season. He’s no stranger to winning expensive races either, after his success in the Saudi Cup, winning over £7m.

With more great races, including the Turf, Mile, Fillies, and Distaff, the Breeders’ Cup again promises to be a thrilling event, so get those bets on now.