This year’s program of top American dirt races in particular looks to be gearing horses up for the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland. An adjusted Triple Crown with the final two legs taking place earlier in the fall adds extra spice to an event that already attracts global interest and intrigue.
Many “win and you’re in” race have already taken place, so horses have their tickets punched to the Kentucky track. The exclusivity of the Breeders’ Cup only adds to its desirability and appeal among owners and trainers.
Belmont Stakes scorer Tiz The Law couldn’t add another leg of the three-year-old thoroughbred series to his resume when held by Authentic in the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Bob Baffert has now equalled the record for most successes in the race for the roses with six and three of those coming in the last six years.
We could yet see an exciting rematch between Tiz The Law and Authentic in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in early October. While the pair fought out a memorable Kentucky Derby finish from high gate draws this year, Maximum Security, the horse who was controversially disqualified from the 2019 race has been proving himself as good as ever among the older brigade.
Shortly before his Saudi Cup success in the Middle East, the Coolmore partners of Sue Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, made famous as supporters of the powerhouse that is the Aidan O’Brien stable in Ireland, bought shares in him. Maximum Security soon left the care of Jason Servis for Baffert.
He didn’t go the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year, opting instead for shorter distance assignments like the Bold Ruler and Cigar Mile in handicap company. The way that Maximum Security made all of the running in just his second start over mile-and-a-quarter when landing the Pacific Stakes, however, suggest he has more to offer at that trip.
Baffert could have an embarrassment of riches on his hands for the big one at the Breeders’ Cup. There is also value in opposing Tiz The Law with one or other of his potential runners too. If taking aim at the Classic, then the latest horse racing betting tips and predictions will surely highlight the massive 5/1 odds about Authentic at Keeneland.
As with any weight for age stakes race, a three-year-old gets an allowance (about 2kg or 4lb) from older horses. Even though Maximum Security has won handicaps off topweight, Authentic being bigger than his 4/1 price in the futures betting for the Breeders’ Cup Classic is generous.
The last three winners of that race have been older horses but, prior to that, three-year-olds won the previous three renewals. Baffert has also trained a record three Breeders’ Cup Classic winners, so he looks sure to try and extend that further with another victory this year.
Tiz The Law remaining favorite in some quarters for the race at 4/1 means it will be a stellar race if all three meet at Keeneland, whatever happens in the meantime in the Preakness Stkes.
