The Breeders’ Cup is just a few weeks away, and most of the expected participants have completed their final prep races. Many year-end championships will be decided on October 30 and 31 at Keeneland Race Course, largely due to what takes place in these marquee events.Below you’ll find my rankings for 13 of the Breeders Cup divisions, with the top four contenders listed in chronological order. Any changes made, whether they be additions / subtractions or new comments, are italicized.(NOTE: The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint will be omitted from the rankings. The division is constantly in flux and there are too many who will be cross-entered to make that list worthwhile.)CLASSIC1 - Forever Young (last week: 1)• Some may have been underwhelmed by his victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup…but what else did you want from him? A 105 Beyer going 10F off a six-month layoff would seem to be a great jumping off point for a Classic defense.2 - Magnitude (last week: 2)• If you forgive his Saratoga form he’s done nothing wrong; ticks all the boxes at what’s likely a reasonable price assuming you can get past the dud in the Whitney3 - Sovereignty (last week: 3)• Has logged a couple of lackluster workouts at Saratoga…vibes don’t seem particularly high at the moment; would think a decision regarding his participation is imminent4 - Knightsbridge (last week: 4)• Devastated the G1 Pacific Classic, a field that was a G1 in name only; hard to find anyone to dispute his brilliance, but the question remains - can he reproduce that brilliance against the cream of the crop?DISTAFF1 - Nitrogen (last week: 1)• May not have been visually exceptional but plenty fast enough winning the Beldame; strictly the horse to beat in the Distaff2 - Fully Subscribed (last week: 2)• Secured her first career G1 in the Personal Ensign and followed it up with a decisive win in the G1 Spinster…peaking at the right time and may have what it takes to defeat Nitrogen in the Distaff3 - Splendora (last week: 3)• The wide margins of victory around two turns would lead you to believe she may well fit the Distaff configuration; have always wondered if she’s better around one turn, though, so maybe a defense of the FM Sprint is the better path? To be determined…4 - Regaled (last week: 4)• Probably a notch below the best in the division but finished third in the Distaff last year and enters this year off another blowout win in the Delaware Handicap; maybe underneathSPRINT1 - Englishman (last week: 1)• Looked no worse for wear in most recent half-mile workout at Keeneland, finishing in :47.4; assuming he continues to train forwardly he’ll be the shortest-priced favorite of the BC meet2 - T O Elvis (last week: 2)• Lost in the late odds hoopla on Derby Day was just how emphatic his win in the Churchill Downs was; may need to find a bit if Englishman holds his form - but may not need to find much3 - Built (last week: 3)• Always seemed like a one turn horse and has shown that to be the case in 2026; not much to knock about him given his recent form other than the obvious - his figs are miles behind those of Englishman…back on the work tab on 10/13 for the first time since 9/254 - Liam Smith (last week: 4)• Not often does a $50k claimer immediately become a Breeders’ Cup contender, but here we are…back-to-back 107 Beyers make him too fast to ignore - especially given his early pace; seems unlikely he can run with Englishman, but could be worst case scenario for the heavy chalk in terms of race shapeFM SPRINT1 - Kilwin (last week: 1)• Perhaps being a bit stubborn keeping her #1…didn’t think her second in the Ballerina was a bad effort, just ran into a horse for course and found herself way too far back early despite the hot pace; absolutely needs a step forward but hopefully that is still to come at Keeneland2 - Ways and Means (last week: 2)• Disrespectful to have her this far down after a blowout win in a G1 at Saratoga? Maybe…still think she’s a different animal at the Spa v. Other venues; likely goes as the favorite for the FM Sprint off the 104 Beyer in the Ballerina3 - Explora (last week: 4)• Came up just short as part of a three-horse photo in the Dogwood at CD; the figs aren’t quite there for her to be considered a top contender - but that can be said for most in this division aside from Ways and Means4 - R Disaster (last week: unranked)• Not convinced her best is as good as others, however the pace that she brings to the party is always dangerous; know her early but will she be able to put away other heat and still find late?TURF1 - Tiffany (last week: 1)• Devastating victory in the KYD Turf Cup in her U.S. debut; 107 Beyer earned in that race has been the benchmark for BC Turf success over the past decade - a likely win candidate at Keeneland2 - Ombudsman (last week: 2)• Serious horse and a real possibility to run here if the weather goes sideways for Champions Day at Ascot according to John Gosden via Nick Luck Daily…Gosden has kept him at 10F for majority of career in Europe but the 12F in the United States should be well within his scope; the likely favorite for the Turf assuming he comes for the party3 - Diamond Necklace (last week: 3)• Gave a good account of herself in the Arc when stepping up in trip; with the distance a non-issue, a trip to the BC Turf has been mentioned by Aidan O’Brien for the 3YO filly4 - Ethical Diamond (last week: 4)• Credible second behind the filly on top in the KYD Turf Cup; connections seem very pleased with the run as a means to an end heading to Keeneland - a legit threat to repeat in the BC TurfMILE1 - Blue Bolt (last week: 1)• Another race, another G1 victory for the fantastic filly - this one at Newmarket in the Sun Chariot; already qualified for the FM Turf and it sounds like a run at Keeneland is in the cards…the question is: the FM Turf or the Mile against the males?2 - Notable Speech (last week: 2)• Another G1 victory to his resume in the Woodbine Mile, running down Deterministic - who had everything his way; a major threat to repeat in the BC Mile, even if his WO Mile “only” earned a 101 Beyer3 - Lake Forest (last week: 3)• Second in the Coolmore Turf Mile at Keeneland behind Rhetorical but had a no-win trip given the lack of pace / lack of running room; should get a more favorable setup in the BC Mile for trainer William Haggas4 - Rhetorical (last week: 4)• Winner of the Coolmore Turf Mile for the second consecutive year; took advantage of glacial pace but kicked home like a good thing…proven over the Keeneland turf and versatile running style should give him a good chanceFM TURF1 - Precise (last week: 1)• Big effort when second in the Prix de l’Opera at 10F at Longchamp behind Miss Scott; winner doesn’t sound likely to come, so runner-up on the cutback to 9.5F would be a handful for Aidan O’Brien2 - Stellify (last week: 3)• An all or nothing type at this point in her career…when she’s part of the early running, she’s very good; decimated a field in the Ladies Marathon at KYD, a course which she’s 3-for-3 over3 - Kathynmarissa (last week: 4)• Added another graded stakes victory to the resume in the Flower Bowl at 10F; 9.5F distance of this race hits her right between the eyes and trainer Chad Brown has had success in this event on numerous occasions…too sharp to ignore4 - Pink Panthera (last week: unranked)• Winless since May but a string of second and third-place efforts behind quality fillies and mares makes her a contender against this bunch; no real excuse when third behind Precise in the l’Opera but still only a length behind herTURF SPRINT1 - Cy Fair (last week: 1)• Nothing to be gleaned from her off the board effort at KYD; buried on the rail for duration of the run…draw a line through the race - her best is still elite2 - Bacio (last week: 2)• Devastating winning the G1 Nunthorpe at York for Wesley Ward over a highly-accomplished group; no fault with anyone saying he’s clearly tops, just still believe in the filly at #1’s ability3 - Joe Shiesty (last week: 3)• Razor-sharp sprinter is also as gutsy as they come, as seen by his win in the Woodford at Keeneland; other pace will be a concern for him since he’s one-way speed, but he loves a fight4 - Shisospicy (last week: 4)• Difficult to say what to expect from her with the nonexistent campaign but know her best is as good as anyone’sDIRT MILE1 - Knightsbridge (last week: 1)• Sounds as though it’s as simple as: if Sovereignty runs in the Classic, Knightsbridge to the Dirt Mile…no Sovereignty in the Classic - Knightsbridge to the Classic2 - Napoleon Solo (last week: 2)• Loses nothing in defeat finishing a gallant second in the Travers; Classic remains an option for the connections, especially after flashy drill at Belmont Park3 - The Puma (last week: 3)• Connections probably wanting to give the Classic a go but not sure his best is good enough to run with the big boys just yet; blinkers certainly did the trick and the middle move he unleashed would play wonderfully in a truly run mile at Keeneland4 - Further Ado (last week: 4)• Kicked on well at the end of the PA Derby but couldn’t run down The Puma; the record at Keeneland sticks out like a sore thumb - in a good way; can’t imagine the connections are in a rush to try the Classic with him but another who would fit wonderfully in the Dirt MileJUVENILE1 - Hughes (last week: 1)• Hard to knock a horse who is 4-for-4 with winning margins of 6L, 7+L, 4+L, and 6L at distances of 5F, 6F, 7F, and 8.5F; took a meaningful step forward on the fig scale and establishes himself as the favorite for this race with the absence of U.S.S. Valor2 - Salahudin (last week: 2)• Almost the antithesis of a typical Baffert 2YO - sluggish out of the gate, settles before finding stride and finishing while still showing greenness; may be more of a 3YO prospect but continues to improve…as good a 2YO male crop as we’ve seen in a while3 - American History (last week: 3)• Took advantage of pace setup to win Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland; not the most visually impressive but seems like he’s learning on the job…needs a meaningful step forward to get the job done in the Breeders’ Cup (or another obscene pace setup)4 - Coach Pope (last week: 4)• Caught up in a wicked pace in the Breeders’ Futurity; finished willingly, albeit slowly, at the end of two-turn debut…dynamics almost certainly did him in but he’s likely to catch another swift pace in the Breeders’ CupJUVENILE FILLIES1 - Emphatic (last week: 1)• Exceptional in G1 Alcibiades victory at Keeneland for Brendan Walsh; distance is her friend and she’s already defeated a serious filly in Summer Starlet…the one to beat on BC Friday2 - Summer Starlet (last week: 2)• Ran giant in Alcibiades defeat; nothing to knock other than she’s going to run into the Alcibiades winner again in the BC Juvenile Fillies3 - Domain Expansion (last week: 3)• Visually awesome winning the Oak Leaf at Santa Anita in dirt debut for Leonard Powell; may not have beaten the best company but could not have looked more impressive…should be a square price in the BC given the other outfits involved in this race, too4 - Miss Monica (last week: 4)• Paired up 87 Beyers winning G1 DMR Debutante for Baffert; geared down for final 100 yards and still galloped out with interest…think she’ll improve around two-turns, tooJUVENILE TURF1 - How’s Al Today (last week: 1)• Ran twice at the Kentucky Downs meeting, including a stakes score which resulted in a 94 Beyer Speed Figure; division historically dominated by Euros but this one looks like he may be the goods…form flattered when 3rd place finisher in KYD Juvenile Mile (who was 5+L behind Al) came back to win Bourbon at Keeneland2 - Folsom Blues (last week: 2)• Beaten at odds-on in Jean-Luc Lagard�re at Longchamp over 7F; didn’t seem to be shortening at the end…simply beaten by a better runner on the day - would be an obvious threat in the BC Juvenile Turf should he come3 - Al Hudaiba (last week: 4)• Better than the final margin in the G1 Summer would suggest given he took a right-hand turn down the stretch; Charlie Appleby / Godolphin have played this tune successfully in the past, would be no surprise to see them do it again4 - Haffner (last week: unranked)• Still a bit green but showcased his talent when winning the Royal Lodge at Newmarket; for what it’s worth…was beaten a country mile in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes by Folsom Blues in SeptemberJUVENILE FILLIES TURF1 - Sun Goddess (last week: 1)• Must be special if Aidan O’Brien is referring to her as a “freak”; smashed in the Moyglare, and post race comments would suggest a run in the Cheveley Park followed by a try in the Breeders’ Cup could be on offer…also worth noting she thumped Folsom Blues at The Curragh in August2 - Amusingly (last week: unranked)• Clearly best when winning the Jean-Luc Lagard�re at Longchamp over Folsom Blues; her participation could set the stage for a heavyweight showdown with Sun Goddess3 - Domestic Agenda (last week: 2)• Devastating win in the Miss Grillo at Belmont Park; wide trip in the clear and lengthened down the lane, all while swapping leads and showing a bit of greenness…Chad Brown has won this race six times4 - Vanta (last week: 4)• Another impressive win, this time in the Surfer Girl at Santa Anita; as mentioned before - the waters get considerably deeper taking on international competition + Chad’s filly

Each day during the 17-day Keeneland Fall Meet, I’ll spotlight the double-digit morning line prices that you’ll want to consider for your exotics plays. These are based on my top-3 choices in each race and will only appear if they’re in my mix and of significant odds.Week 3 of the Fall Meet gets underway with an 8-race card. Get up to $20 in bonus money with a 20% Win Bet Boost payout at Keeneland on Wednesdays with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.Race 2:#4 Irish Pub (20-1 ML) – Perfectly spaced workout tab for the return from a long break. Trainer Ed Moger Jr. is highly profitable in these long return ventures like this and with second career starts. She’ll get Lasix for the first time vs. a field with an 0-8 favorite and debuting second choice in the morning line.Race 4:#6 Princess Em Too (10-1 ML) – The Del Mar, Santa Anita and Churchill turf form isn’t bad for this 4-year-old who faces several 3-year-olds in maiden company. Her recent form is soiled by Kentucky Downs and dirt tries. Always give these Not This Time offspring a long look on the Keeneland turf given success of their brethren.Race 7:#2 Susan’s Boy (20-1 ML) – Want to see Luis Saez aggressive from the inside in this 1-1/16 miles stretch-out for a Churchill 1-turn miler. Blinkers go on for the first try at Keeneland and the Candy Rides long have shown affinity for this surface.

EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Finger Lakes | today’s racesNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 5 | $62,991 | Parx | begins Race 6 | 2:55 pm ETKEY RACESParx | Race 9 | 4:16 pm ET | Commonwealth Sire StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXFort Erie | Race 7 | 3:03 pm ETHorseshoe Indy | Race 8 | 5:47 pm ETMountaineer | Race 1 | 7:00 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJay Bernardini | Mountaineer | 6 of 7 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Santa Anita | trainer Doug O’Neill | 3 wins from 7 startersYesterday | Sanita Anita | left $54,223 pick 6 carryover for Friday's cardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Finger Lakes Bet $100, Get $10 Key PlaysFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer: best bets today in the Xpressbet member’s section

After making stops in Indiana and Ohio last week, 1/ST BET and Xpressbet’s “Bonus Boonanza” promotion moves east where Finger Lakes takes the baton later this afternoon. The Farmington, NY based venue has a nine-race card that gets started at 12:55 PM local time. For those who missed the first few opportunities at “Bonus Boonanza” a week ago, it is simple. Just bet at least $100 at select tracks on Tuesday and Thursday (after registering for the promo) throughout the month of October and earn a $10 bonus. Today’s mission is at Finger Lakes where I happen to like a few horses on the slate.Race 1:The card kicks off with this state-bred first-level allowance event at one-mile where the pace should be honest given the presence of #5 Stop the Spread and #6 Brown Don’t Stop. Stop the Spread was made the 2-1-ML favorite after four straight underneath finishes dating back to mid-July for trainer Rachel Sells. He is the likeliest to hit the board in this compact group of six, but hard to trust on top given his 0 for 17-record dating back to the beginning of 2025. I will hope to run the field down with #2 Maturation. The son of McKinzie makes his second start off the claim after a late run from last led to a runner-up finish at this level on September 29. Owner/trainer Luis Gutierrez sports a 14%-win rate with a positive ROI for the year with a 104-start sample size. Hopefully this 3YO takes a slight step forward for his new barn with jockey Steven Frey back in the saddle.Play: #2 Maturation (6-1 ML)Picks: 2-1-5Race 6:I will try to wire this group of $5k N2L claimers at two-turns with #1 Ducky Medwick. The son of Mr. Monomoy makes his second start off the claim for owner/trainer Linda Rice after a slow start from the gate on September 30 cost him his best chance in a 5.5-furlong dash against better. The class drop, move to an inside post, and stretch out to a route of ground should allow the 4YO gelding to get to the top from his rail draw under jockey Oscar Gomez. From there, Gomez should be able to dictate moderate terms and have enough late to earn this one his second lifetime victory. A potential single to kick off Tuesday’s late Pick 4 sequence.Play: #1 Ducky Medwick (5-2 ML)Picks: 1-9-6Race 8:The Tuesday feature is this $30k optional claimer at six-furlongs where there is not a ton of early speed signed on. I will hope to get the jump on the group with #4 Momentum Flies. The son of Uncle Mo makes his first local start after battling early and tiring late against starter allowance foes at Belmont Park in mid-September. Prior to that, the Rudy Rodriguez trainee sped to the lead in a beaten claimer at the Spa on August 30 and had enough left late to hang on by a half-length in the end. Jockey Reylu Gutierrez has not been aboard this gelding yet, but should have an easy mission. Get him out of the gate cleanly and take control of the tempo immediately from there. With a clean break and a bounce back to his effort two-back, Momentum Flies could prove to catch late at what appears to be a playable ML price.Play: #4 Momentum Flies (6-1 ML)Picks: 4-7-1

SCHEDULE NOTESSanta Anita | special holiday card | first post 4:00 pm ETTOURNAMENT TIME$100 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $12,729 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | Race 6 | 4:45 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $44,681 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETKEY RACESFinger Lakes | Race 7 | 3:49 pm ET | NY Breeders’ FuturityFinger Lakes | Race 8 | 4:18 pm ET | Jack Betta Be Rite StakesPresque Isle Downs | Race 7 | 6:12 pm ET | HBPA StakesSanta Anita | Race 7 | 7:00 pm ET | Swingtime StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXHorseshoe Indy | Race 7 | 5:16 pm ETSanta Anita | Race 4 | 5:30 pm ETMountaineer | Race 8 | 9:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHAnthony Ferraro | Finger Lakes | all 4 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Woodbine, Keeneland | trainer Mark Casse | 4 wins, including 2 stakesPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Monday Spot PlaysFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer: best bets today in the Xpressbet member’s section

The racing week in Southern California continues later today at Santa Anita Park where there is a special holiday card starting at 1PM local time. The Monday slate is ten-races in total headlined by the $80k Swingtime Stakes for fillies and mares at one-mile over the grass. Here are a few horses I like most on the afternoon, including my thoughts on the featured event.Race 7: SwingtimeThe pace should be honest in the Columbus Day feature given the presence of #8 Bit Tiger’s Magic, as well as the filly drawn to her inside #7 Pura Vida Princess. This should allow 5-2-favorite #6 Tirupati to find the perfect spot early under veteran European rider Jaime Spencer. I would not swallow too short of a price though on the Augustin Stable mare since she is coming in off an arduous task at Kentucky Downs where she failed the as the odds-on choice. In fact, the daughter of Mitole has struggled to fail to cross the wire first yet in 2026. I will she moves early or hangs late and #5 Firenze Flavor makes the last move. The daughter of Liam’s Map was outrun at 50-1 at Del Mar in the John C. Mabee (G2) in early September, but that was her first start in over ten months. Plus, her best efforts have all come over this course. If the pace is fast, she should be rolling late.Play: #5 Firenze Flavor (8-1 ML)Picks: 5-6-1Race 9:Trainer Mark Glatt holds a strong hand in this second-level allowance event at six-furlongs over the Santa Anita sod. He has 9-5-ML favorite #6 Bad Uncle Barry, potential speed #5 Simple Song, and lightly-raced #2 Tap the Gin. All lure top-tier riders on the circuit and should find good spots early. Tap the Gin and Simple Song are not for me, while Bad Uncle Barry looms a likely underlay as the one to beat. I will take on the Glatt trio with #7 Mescalero. The son of Into Mischief moves to an outside draw for the first time as a 4YO after chasing the pace in the Green Flash (G2) from a less advantageous spot inside draw. He won over this course/distance to kick off his career and should get a great trip this afternoon under Kazushi Kimura.Play: #7 Mescalero (6-1 ML)Picks: 7-6-8Race 10:I will close the card endorsing the 5-2-ML favorite in this two-turn MSW event for 2YOs over the main track. #7 Mixit chased the pace early and had nothing left late in his debut effort at Del Mar in early September, but that came at far shorter versus a higher quality group at this stage of the juvenile’s careers. I was encouraged by the early speed of this colt given the competition and expect him to find a prominent spot early against a group that has not shown all that much to be fearful of thus far.Play: #7 Mixit (5-2 ML)Picks- 7-3-9

Yonkers Raceway has a 10-race card with the $1.00 Pick 5 starting in Race 5. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool. The Spot Plays are in Race 3, Race 6, and Race 9. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 3 (7:25 PM EDT)5-Coalford Topguy GB (7/2)-Rolled home in 56.1 to beat this kind on 9-28 after a 9-21 claim. Comes right back and did beat a couple from this field last time. This is a competitive sort and will rely on the Joe B barn to keep clicking. Should offer a fair price and will respect chances of doubling up but the trip might be tricky. Can fire out when the wings fold and there are a couple with good gate speed who start inside. Needs a sharp steer, and if so, could be posing again.5-4-1Race 6 (8:25 PM EDT)8-Lillbliss (6-1)-Jason Bartlett sticks after coming 2nd versus this kind. The post helps the price and has the gate speed to upset if things fall into place. The Petter Engblom trainee is an interesting play from this post, and this will be the 3rd start after a judges scratch and hasn't been used hard off the gate. The wrapper could come off tonight. Bartlett could beat this field by only improving position when the wings fold and not having to get on the engine around the opening turn.8-1-5Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)7-Young Bluey A (15-1)-Price shot came a decent 4th in the first race following a sick scratch. Jordan Stratton returns and he posts 28% winners for the Jarred Bako barn. Stratton knows how to get a horse rolling down the lane and this race should have an honest pace. The veteran could close fastest of all.7-4-2Check me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVESBC Bankroll Builder | Bet $25, Get $5 | California Distaff Handicap (Race 9 Santa Anita)10X 1/ST Rewards Points | Sunset 6 at Gulfstream/Santa AnitaSPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-9, Santa Anita Races 3-4-5Sunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 7-8-9, Santa Anita Races 8-9-10TOURNAMENT TIME$100 Santa Anita Feeder | details$100 Keeneland Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSPlace Pick 8 | $11,542 | Gulfstream | begins Race 2 | 12:50 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $25,324 | Gulfstream | begins Race 4 | 1:50 pm ETPick 6 | $121,890 | Belmont | begins Race 4 | 2:49 pm ETSunset 6 | $7,624 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 7 | 3:30 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $100,924 (CAN) | Woodbine | Race 10 | 6:00 pm ETPick 6 | $99,295 | Santa Anita | begins Race 5 | 6:09 pm ETKEY RACESWoodbine | Race 7 | 4:22 pm ET | Display StakesKeeneland | Race 8 | 4:44 pm ET | Franklin StakesWoodbine | Race 8 | 4:57 pm ET | Glorious Song StakesSanta Anita | Race 9 | 8:09 pm ET | California DistaffLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXWoodbine | Race 6 | 3:49 pm ETSanta Anita | Race 1 | 4:00 pm ETKeeneland | Race 9 | 5:16 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHKevin Attard | Woodbine | 4 of 6 entrants 5-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Woodbine | jockey Pietro Moran | 4 wins ($3, $7, $10, $12)PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMBrian Nadeau: Gulfstream Mandatory Payout Full-Card Sunday PicksJeremy Plonk: Keeneland Longshot Plays for SundayScott Shapiro: Breeders’ Cup Bankroll Builder Play for Santa Anita SundayBrian W. Spencer: best bets today in the Xpressbet member’s section