The Post will profile each of the nine Breeders’ Cup races to be run next Saturday at Churchill Downs. The Countdown to the Cup spotlights potential nice-price winners as handicapped by reporter Ed Fountaine and columnist Ray Kerrison. Good luck.
3-year-olds and up. Grade 2. Purse: $500,000. Distance: 1 3Ž4 miles. Post time: 1:20 p.m. Bets: WPS, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, Pick 3
ANALYSIS: Last year’s winner, Eldaafer, is back, in decent but not great form. A.U. Miner (placed third in last year’s Marathon) and Birdrun ran 1-2 last July in the 1 1Ž2-mile Greenwood Cup, a “win and you’re in” BC Challenge race for this spot. A.U. Miner has the stronger closing kick.
LIVE LONG SHOTS: Brigantin, Harrison’s Cave and the filly Meeznah have been racing well in long-distance races in Europe; European turf horses won the first two runnings of this race and have a history of running well when switched to dirt at Churchill. Giant Oak has been facing tougher all year.
THE BET: Meeznah to win at 12-1. Underneath, use A.U. Miner, Birdrun and Pleasant Prince.