The Breeders’ Cup Turf is one of horse racing’s great events – both in terms of prize money and prestige. As one of the richest races in North America annually (purse of $5M), it’s no surprise to see entrants come from all over the world to contest the 12-furlong trip each Breeders’ Cup weekend. This year’s event may lack the genuine superstars we’ve seen in years past, such as Enable, Daylami, and Pebbles (to name a few), however it’s loaded with capable runners who will offer generous prices on race day. Below you will find a brief comment on all fourteen runners set to tangle at Keeneland on Saturday, followed by my selections and how I plan on betting the race.1–Ethical Diamond – 12% / 7-1 fair win oddsThe winner of last year’s Turf looks to have a real chance of going back-to-back for trainer Willie Mullins; prep at Kentucky Downs should have set him up beautifully for this run at Keeneland2–Benvenuto Cellini – 7% / 13-1 fair win odds-This year’s Irish Derby winner hasn’t gotten any better over the second half of his 3YO campaign; Aidan O’Brien always dangerous in spots like this and Ryan Moore stays aboard; certainly can win but almost assuredly an underlay in the win market3–Minaret Station – 6% / 16-1 fair win oddsAn underrated runner for Will Walden’s barn, Minaret Station is in career form; biggest obstacle has always been soundness and ability to stay on the track, but a steady campaign this year has him primed for a respectable showing against the toughest he’s ever seen; 1-for-1 at KEE with a graded stakes win under his belt4–Far Bridge – 3% / 32-1 fair win oddsInititially sounded as if the trainer wanted to run against softer, but the ownership may have had other ideas; multiple G1 winner has credentials but would need everything to break his way to hit the board5–El Cordobes – 3% / 32-1 fair win oddsTrainer Charlie Appleby has won this Turf on multiple occasions and this runner was a good third in last year’s running; perhaps needed the race at Belmont off the lengthy layoff but Appleby didn’t sound overly impressed with the performance; needs a career best6–Burnham Square – 9% / 10-1 fair win oddsDisastrous effort at Kentucky Downs in September, but maybe with an excuse given the oppressive heat; has only had two other chances to rally from off the pace going 12F – a 9+ length win at Keeneland in April and a 4+ length win at Churchill in May; his 107 Beyer in the Elkhorn would be good enough to go close here…you just need to decide if you think he can do that against international powers7–Hotazhell – 6% / 16-1 fair win oddsIf the race were contested over 10F this guy may be the favorite given his recent form; 12F a major question, but if you think he can handle it (especially in America) then he’s likely an overlay in relation to his level of talent8–Test Score – originally 3% / 32-1 fair win oddsScratched due to fever.9–Johanna Walsh – 6% / 16-1 fair win oddsTough call on many fronts, as lone try against older fillies and mares was a disaster – although that preceded a freshening; gets in light as a 3YO filly for all-world trainer Joseph O’Brien; O’Brien wouldn’t run her here if he didn’t think she had a shot, even if only a marginal one10–Tiffany – 10% / 9-1 fair win oddsStateside debut was a smashing one, earning a 107 Beyer in Kentucky Downs Turf Cup victory for Sir Mark Prescott; no reason to think she won’t run credibly here, and wouldn’t be too worried about the 7L loss to Bay City Roller last fall, as that race came over a bog and Bay City Roller is a mud lark; assuming she can save some ground she’s absolutely viable here11–Survie – 6% / 16-1 fair win oddsThe winner of the Christophe Clement at Saratoga in August, the George Boughey trainee hasn’t shown that sort of winning form against quality European competition in years; Prat takes the mount, reuniting with her following their victory together in the Glens Falls at the Spa; not impossible to hit the board but not crazy about her, either12–Diamond Necklace – 13% / 7-1 fair win oddsTecnhically would regard her as the “most likely winner” – but not by much; very credible third in the Arc last month, albeit with the benefit of the 3YO female weight break; Soumillon stays aboard the four-time G1 winner who must be respected, even with a tough outside draw13–Bay City Roller – 11% / 8-1 fair win oddsJust ahead of Diamond Necklace when second in the Arc at nearly 40-1 for George Scott; undoubtedly better over ground with cut in it, however he’s a classy runner who has repeatedly shown he can compete anywhere; another contender mired with an outside draw who will need some racing luck in order to prevail14–Deep Monster – 5% / 19-1 fair win oddsBrutal draw going three turns at Keeneland; has multiple races on Thorograph that would indicate he’s far from impossible, but his race may have been lost at the post draw; another who would be best used underneath, if at allSELECTIONS6 – Burnham Square 1 – Ethical Diamond 3 – Minaret Station 10 – TiffanyWAGER$1 Trifecta Box – 1,3,6,10 = $24

Happy Breeders’ Cup racing fans! The World Championships are almost upon us at Keeneland, so it is time to think about how to budget your bankroll for this year’s event given the plethora of options on the wagering menu. Horizontal wagers offer horseplayers a shot at a massive payday with vertical wagers also offering a potential week or month making score. Forgetting the obvious Win bet though is often a mistake made in search of the four or five-figure score. I advise mapping things out ahead of time in order to maximize your strongest opinions.One of the wiser options to consder for the two days could be playing exactas since this allows 1/ST BET and Xpressbet customers to take a shot at our $25,000 Exacta-Thon Promotion. Most of you know by now, but the goal of the Exacta-Thon is to connect on as many $2 exactas as possible over a given card with the main goal being at least six over the course of the program. There is $10k total up for grabs on Friday with $7500 being split amongst those who connect on six exactas. The other $2500 goes to the player(s) that hits the most. The ante is upped to $15k on Championship Saturday with $10k being split amongst those who connect on at least six. Here are a few exactas I plan to make a part of my shot at the Exacta-Thon on Future Stars Friday.Race 7: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1)The wagering in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies is expected to center around two undefeated runners. #10 Emphatic enters a perfect 3 for 3 with a pair of two-turn races under her belt, while #5 Miss Monica is 2 for 2, but must prove herself at a route of ground still. I prefer Emphatic simply because I lack trust in Miss Monica’s ability to thrive as the distances get longer, but the question is where to find value.#2 Domain Expansion has some upside coming off her win in the Oak Leaf (G2) out west, but is expected to be the third choice, so I will lean on a pair of Kentucky-based runners instead to play with Emphatic. #3 Foxiest has more to prove than #8 Manuka Honey, but both come in off wins in elongated one-turn races at Churchill Downs. Foxiest is bred to be a star being by Gun Runner out of champion mare Covfefe and showed serious energy late in her maiden win after having to find running room in the lane. She is less trustworthy, but her 15-1-ML makes her worth including. Manuka Honey has passed all three of her tests with flying colors so far for trainer Brian Lynch. The big question is stamina since her pedigree does not point to two-turns being her game. I will key Emphatic with these two gals in hopes of knocking one down in the Exacta-Thon.Play: Exacta Key Box 10 with 3+8Picks: 10-8-3Race 8: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1)European based runners have won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in three of the last four years, including in 2025 with Balantina. They have a huge chance again in 2026 given the quantity and quality they send out. The contingent is led by Aidan O’Brien conditioned #9 Sun Goddess. She has never travelled longer than seven-furlongs, but brings the strongest resume in with six wins and close to $1.3M in earnings. I wanted to try to beat her since she is expected to take a ton of public support, but the international markets love for her makes it tough for me to disagree with the confidence of her connections and those who know her best.I will tread a bit lightly from a wagering perspective in this one keying Sun Goddess on top of a pair of well-drawn Euros in hopes of connecting on another exacta. Both #1 Green Empress and #3 Curracloe drew favorably along the inside. This should allow them to save ground before coming with their run, while I am concerned about second choice #10 Amusingly getting caught wide with the short run into the first turn. Green Empress has never been worse than second in five starts, while Curracloe ships in from Ireland after two easy wins for trainer John Murtagh. Both should get the right trip in their first Stateside start.Play: Exacta 9 with 1+3Picks: 9-3-1Race 9: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1)Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher are familiar with getting to the wire first in this 1 1/16-miles event for 2YOs. Baffert has won the event six times with Pletcher nipping at his heels after winning it last year for the fifth time with Ted Noffey. Both veteran trainers send out two colts a piece in this year’s Juvenile with Baffert holding the stronger hand going in with even-money favorite #5 Hughes and #3 Salahudin. They are a combined 7 for 7 with Hughes being given far more respect for his four wins. The even-money favorite is the one to beat, but do not sleep on Salahudin. The son of Uncle Mo is still learning and has not figured out the gate issues yet, but has massive upside. He has been training forwardly and should run huge in his first start at two-turns. Both Baffert’s are major win threats.Pletcher’s top threat based on the morning line and public sentiment is #6 American History. The son of Constitution won impressively on debut sprinting at Saratoga before taking advantage of a battle on the front end in his off-the-pace victory in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1). It is hard to knock an undefeated horse, but I am willing to let American History beat me. However, Pletcher’s other runner has a big shot to pick up the pieces at a juicy price. #1 Damavand ran a better than looks fourth on debut after breaking a bit slow and chasing a gate-to-wire winner at the Spa before taking advantage of a pocket trip on October 4. The $1M son of Not This Time has not competed against stakes foes and did not break his maiden in dominant fashion, so his 20-1-ML price should stick. That said, he was very professional over this oval at this distance 26 days ago and is bred to love two-turns. The Keeneland September ’25 purchase should get a great trip once again given his inside draw. I like his chances to grind out a minor share.Play: Exacta 3+5+7 with 1Picks: 3-1-5 For complete Breeders' Cup weekend coverage, access our free 1/ST BET Breeders' Cup Wager Guide.

All eyes will be on the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Day 1 this Friday, Oct. 30. But don’t lose sight of the early Pick 5 wager at Keeneland that features four fields with 10 or more entrants, hence a potential big payout for bettors who solve the sequence. The action begins at 11:55 EST, three hours before the 2-year-olds take center stage in the Breeders’ Cup.Keeneland, Race 1 (11:55 EST) Morning-line favorite EMERGING MARKET was 3- to 5-wide throughout in a 1-1/8-mile allowance two starts back and couldn’t reach Wynstock, a winner in 4 of his last 8 starts with 94-plus Beyers. ADMIRAL DENNIS is our top choice, having won his only stakes race at this distance off similar rest in the inaugural Delaware Derby. He stalked the favorite through fast fractions, forged command at the top of the stretch and ran away from the others. He fired two bullet works leading up to this race.Keeneland, Race2 (12:30 p.m. EST) HONOR IS MINE debuts for this year’s Kentucky Derby and Belmont winning team of trainer Cherie DeVaux and jockey Jose Oritz, who also joined forces to win with three of their last 11 first-time starters at 6-1, 7-5 and 21-1 odds. AT FULL SAIL makes the ticket at 15-1 on the morning line. His multiple graded stakes-winning sire, Constitution, ranks in the Top 20 in 2-year-old earnings this year and his dam, Sailor’s Valentine, was a first-out runaway winner at Keeneland and won the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes on her next start here. NIOSA is a deserving favorite. She took aim at the pace-controlling debut winner but settled for second best in a 6F sprint that timed 1/5 slower than a six-figure allowance for 2-year-old boys on the same card.Keeneland, Race 3 (1:05 p.m. EST) You know this one-mile turf stakes is wide open when two entrants listed at double-digit odds are coming off stakes wins, another was G-3 placed in England and another is 2-for-2 with a six-figure allowance victory. Hit the ‘ALL’ button in Leg 3.Keeneland, Race4 (1:40 p.m. EST) GHAZAALY is confidently placed, considering he was a three-time vet scratch since his last start in early June. He should be well-suited to 6-1/2F with two wins, a second and a third in one-mile allowances this year (92 average Beyer). CORNWALL BOSS buried a weak MSW field at Delaware Park, but he looked good with an explosive burst in the final eighth en route to an 89 Beyer in his seasonal debut. CAMPOBOSSO is blazing along in the morning workouts for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, fresh off a game maiden victory at 6F. He dueled inside of recent stakes-placed rival Tagermeen at this distance two back and ‘fought on’ to finish second, ahead of stablemate Big Jake, who came back to win by 7-3/4 lengths with a 95 Beyer.Keeneland, Race 5 (2:05 p.m. EST) McCOY broke sharp in his debut, backed off a fast pace until he re-engaged the leaders on the turn, took command at the top of the stretch and held safe three next-out winners at this distance. He returned from Parx to his home base in Kentucky and reeled off four fast workouts. He has enough speed to salvage perfect stalking position from post 11 and repeat as today’s Pick 5 solo play.Suggested Pick 5KEE 1st race: 1, 5KEE 2nd race: 3, 5, 6KEE 3rd race: ALLKEE 4th race: 4, 7, 10KEE 5th Race: 11Cost for 50-Cent Ticket: $108

1/ST BREEDERS’ CUP WAGER GUIDENow available | daily updates | free accessFree Betmix past performances now availableEXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Laurel Park | today’s racesNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $4,886 | Churchill Downs | Race 3 | 1:58 pm ETPick 5 | $11,992 | Laurel | begins Race 6 | 2:23 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $47,326 | Charles Town | begins Race 3 | 7:57 pm ETLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel | Race 1 | 12:00 pm ETBelmont | Race 8 | 4:47 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 10 | 5:24 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHTim Kreiser | Penn National | 4 of 5 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge | registration deadline extended to 2 pm ET todayPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer: best bets today in the Xpressbet member’s section

‍ Championship Saturday at the Breeders’ Cup provides the Who’s Who of American racedays. The wagering menu is stacked with multi-race bets, including overlapping pick 5s in Races 5-9 and Races 8-12. Our fleet of 14 handicappers in the 1/ST BET Breeders’ Cup Wager Guide have you covered in all the races, so we’ll put all our all-star feet forward in approaching Saturday’s pair of all-stakes pick 5s. For a closer look at Saturday’s full-card analysis, check out Scott Shapiro’s blog.Race 5 | Turf Sprint | Selections by Zoe CadmanUse: 7-COMANCHE BRAVE, 14-MISS YECHANCE, 6-YELLOW CARD, 3-BACIO, 11-JOE SHEISTYConsider: noneWatch Zoe’s full analysis.Race 6 | Dirt Mile | Selections by Jeremy PlonkUse: 1-FURTHER ADO, 3-FULL SERRANOConsider: noneWatch Jeremy’s full analysis.Race 7 | Filly & Mare Turf | Selections by Millie BallUse: 12-BLUE BOLTConsider: 1-GIMME A NOTHER, 11-PRECISEWatch Millie’s full analysis.Race 8 | Sprint | Selections by Barry SpearsUse: 11-T O ELVISConsider: 13-ENGLISHMAN, 2-DARK SAFFRON, 5-LISTENUPSHANCEWatch Barry’s full analysis.Race 9 | Mile | Selections by Brian NadeauUse: 8-NOTABLE SPEECHConsider: 12-TRUE LOVE, 14-PUERTO RICOWatch Brian’s full analysis.Race 10 | Distaff | Selections by Scott ShapiroUse: 4-FULLY SUBSCRIBEDConsider: 6-MEASURE, 8-SPLENDORA, 3-REGALEDWatch Scott’s full analysis.Race 11 | Turf | Selections by Michelle YuUse: 13-BAY CITY ROLLERConsider: 12-DIAMOND NECKLACE, 11-SURVIE, 7-HOTAZHELLWatch Michelle’s full analysis.Race 12 | Classic | Selections by Matt BernierUse: 2-SOVEREIGNTY, 5-FOREVER YOUNGConsider: noneWatch Matt’s full analysis.Ticket Construction | Races 5-9To use all combinations:7,14,6,3,11 with 1,3 with 12,1,11 with 11,13,2,5 with 8,12,14 = $180If focusing any of our analyst's key singles, things get far more affordable:R5: COMANCHE BRAVE or any of the 5 single options, ticket costs $36R6: FURTHER ADO or FULL SERRANO ticket costs $90R7: BLUE BOLT ticket costs $60R8: T O ELVIS ticket costs $45R9: NOTABLE SPEECH ticket costs $60Ticket Construction | Races 8-12To use all combinations:11,13,2,5 with 8,12,14 with 4,6,8,3 with 13,12,11,7 with 2,5 = $192If focusing any of our analyst's key singles, things get far more affordable:R8: T O ELVIS ticket costs $48R9: NOTABLE SPEECH ticket costs $64R10: FULLY SUBSCRIBED ticket costs $48R11: BAY CITY ROLLER ticket costs $48R12: SOVEREIGNTY or FOREVER YOUNG ticket costs $96 ‍

‍ Future Stars Friday at the Breeders’ Cup features five stakes races that wrap into a beautiful pick 5 bow. Our fleet of 14 handicappers in the 1/ST BET Breeders’ Cup Wager Guide have you covered in all the races, so we’ll put all our all-star feet forward in approaching Friday’s all-stakes pick 5. For a closer look at Friday’s early pick 5, check out Frank Carulli’s blog.Race 6 | Juvenile Turf Sprint | Selections by Bailey ArmourUse: 4-BRICKYARD BELLEConsider: 1-MOONRISE, 11-HELL OF A SPIN, 3-LIBERTANGOWatch Bailey’s full analysis.Race 7 | Juvenile Fillies | Selections by Jessica PyferUse: 10-EMPHATIC, 5-MISS MONICAConsider: 7-LEXI’S CHARMWatch Jessica’s full analysis. Race 8 | Juvenile Fillies Turf | Selections by Ashley MaillouxUse: 10-AMUSINGLYConsider: 9-SUN GODDESS, 12-DOMESTIC AGENDAWatch Ashley’s full analysis.Race 9 | Juvenile | Selections by Ron NicolettiUse: 5-HUGHESConsider: 6-AMERICAN HISTORYWatch Ron’s full analysis.Race 10 | Juvenile Turf | Selections by Jose ContrerasUse: 14-GREAT BARRIER REEFConsider: 10-FOLSOM BLUES, 9-SALE SHARK, 5-HOW’S AL TODAYWatch Jose’s full analysis.Ticket ConstructionTo use all combinations:4,1,11,3 with 10,5,7 with 10,9,12 with 5,6 with 14,10,9,5 = $144If focusing any of our analysts key singles, things get far more affordable:R6: BRICKYARD BELLE ticket costs $36R7: just EMPHATIC or MISS MONICA ticket costs $48R8: AMUSINGLY ticket costs $48R9: HUGHES ticket costs $72R10: GREAT BARRIER REEF ticket costs $36 ‍

1/ST BREEDERS’ CUP WAGER GUIDENow available | daily updates | free access> New: All divisional handicapping videos and picks> New: Horse Cents Podcast BC Preview | VIEW HERE> New: FREE Betmix past performances> Thursday: 1/ST Call PodcastMONDAY’S POST DRAW REACTIONS SHOWJeremy Plonk & Scott Shapiro | VIEW HEREIN THE NEWS TODAYDistaff | Scottish Lassie has been scratchedClassic | Forever Young worked 4 furlongs in 50.20Sprint | American Stage worked 4 furlongs in 50.80Turf | El Cordobes worked 3 furlongs (turf) in 39.80Mile | Lake Forest worked 3 furlongs (turf) in 38.40Mile | Ask Ikigomi worked 3 furlongs (turf) in 39.80Turf Sprint | Miss Yechance worked 3 furlongs (turf) in 39.20Turf Sprint | Big Mojo worked 3 furlongs (turf) in 38.80WEEKEND FORECAST FROM WEATHER.COMFriday | Party Sunny, 76 degrees high (5% chance of rain)Saturday | Cloudy (2% chance of rain), 72 degrees high> as of Wednesday noon pm ETGET IN THE GAMEExacta-Thon | $25,000 additional money up for grabs Friday/Saturday at 1/ST BET & XpressbetFACT OF THE DAY FOR WEDNESDAYMany remember the 1999 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Gulfstream for completing a record $3 million pick 6 payout. But did you know that race also produced the largest trifecta payout in BC history? The Cat Thief-Budroyale-Golden Missile tri paid $19,515.60 for $1. BONUS CONTENT: Jockey Oisin Murphy discusses his Breeders' Cup mounts with 1/ST BET's Bailey Armour.

Northfield Park has a 16-race card. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool starts in Race 11. The Spot Plays are in Race 5, Race 6, and Race 9. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 5 (7:28 PM EDT)3-Swan On A Mission (6-1)-Didn't have a shot with a post 9 trip last time against better. Now drops to a level where a win can happen. Does best when put in play early on. Eric Tharps can get a top of the stack trip leaving from this post. The 0-32 record is tough to swallow but has hit the board 11 times against mostly better. Using at the morning line price and should be sitting on a big try.3-9-2Race 6 (7:50 PM EDT)2-Dovey (5/2)-Shipped in from Mea off a nice win versus similar and then had no pop down the lane last time. The plays here is that the mare fits with this crew and Aaron Merriman sticks. The program chalk is a 3-year-old, #6 Tom's Crazy Peach who is 9/5 in the program and trained by Corey Kreiser. Will lean with Merriman in this case in a race where the 2 morning line chalks (1-6) don't thrill me.2-1-6Race 9 (8:56 PM EDT)7-Covid Cartel (5-1)-Beat the $5k claimers in last and takes a good step up, but the entire field has 18 wins in total. This 6-year-old has taken 4 pictures and the program chalk #9 has 6 wins. The chalk broke in its last race, and Merriman went to the 3/4's in spry 124.2 and hung on. Could look to get on the point again and could be better rated this time. This is a soft bunch and hopefully the Kreiser trainee won't be bet down.7-9-2Check me out on X!