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.
2-year-old colts & geldings. Grade 2. Purse: $1 million. Distance: Mile (turf). Post time: 2:02 p.m. Bets: WPS, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4
ANALYSIS: Welcome to the biggest lottery in the Breeders’ Cup for two-year-olds with limited experience on grass and a bunch of European shippers looking to get lucky.
This race appears so wide-open that the track’s listed favorite, Majestic City, is at 4-1. At a mile on the turf, outside post positions would appear to be the kiss of death except last year’s winner, Pluck, went from the extreme outside in gate 12.
LIVE LONG SHOTS: Caspar Netscher, the European, was beaten by only a length in the Newmarket Grade 1 Middle Park Stakes three weeks ago after winning a Grade 2 stake at Newbury. Another interesting prospect is Wrote from the Aidan O’Brien arsenal at 12-1 after a good third last out at Newmarket.
THE BET: Finale from Todd Pletcher looks the best of the Americans. Speedy, he’s 3-for-3 on the grass. Right behind him is State of Play, who has won both of his races on grass. Mix them up in the exactas with the long shots.