by Jeff Siegel
November 1, 2017
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JUVY TURF GOES THROUGH EUROPE
by Jeff Siegel XBTV.com
ANALYSIS: As I mentioned in the original Xpressbet Breeders' Cup Wager Guide that came out last Friday, European shippers have won six of the 10 prior editions of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Unfortunately, my original top two picks - the European-based U. S. Navy Flag and Nelson - will not be participating, as the former opted for the Juvenile on the dirt while the latter was left at home. Still, the Brits will be well represented by the progressive JAMES GARFIELD, who was originally highlighted in my pre-draw analysis as a “value play.” He drew favorably (Post #7) and with some of the best Europeans staying home, he becomes a major threat to win the whole thing.
MAIN CONTENDERS: JAMES GARFIELD has been impressive during his gallops at Del Mar and appears ready to replicate his best English form, including his victory last out in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury. The only concern remains the Del Mar turf course's short run in and the stretch out to a mile, but the colt's youthful trainer, George Scott, has had this race in mind for months and is confident the tight turns and added distance won't prove insurmountable. MASAR deserves strong consideration and has a more impressive resume than JAMES GARFIELD. He may not have cared for the soft ground when he checked in third in the Group 1 Jean-Luc Lagardere at Chantilly. Both JAMES GARFIELD and MASAR have earned triple-digit Racing Post ratings and both will race with Lasix at Del Mar.
VALUE PLAYS: A pair of North American-based runners, CATHOLIC BOY and UNTAMED DOMAIN, are stakes winners with the ability to turn it on late and should be dangerous with good racing luck. Both are worthy of inclusion on your tickets.
WAGERING STRATEGY ($100):
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