Breeders’ Cup Classic Entries, Odds, and Predictions
Mr. Ed rides again with his singular slant on this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. Entries listed in post position order.
1. T O PASSWORD (30-1 morning line)
Record: 12-5-1-1
Trainer: Daisuke Takayanagi
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Best Speed Figure: 100
Earnings: $858,627
Mr. Ed Says: Those looking to cash a pricey Show ticket might try this guy. It beat me how 5YO Japanese import ends up vs. this gang of graded-stakes bullies.
2. SOVEREIGNTY (5-2)
Record: 12-7-3-1
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Best Speed Figure: 118
Earnings: $6,876,550
Mr. Ed Says: Speedball is afraid of no other. Continues to chalk up fast figures unmatched by most of these. Never beaten at 1¼-mile. There’s no doubt 4YO can match others stride-for-stride — just not today. SHOW horse.
3. GOLDEN TEMPLE (5-1)
Record: 7-4-0-3
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Best Speed Figure: 101
Earnings: $4,783,000
Mr. Ed Says: Trainer DeVaux gets high marks for winning two legs of 3YO Triple Crown. Regally bred (son of Curlin), with a tip-top rider adding to the appeal. Hope to see you this time next year. No gold today.
4. THE PUMA (10-1)
Record: 7-2-2-1
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Best Speed Figure: 108
Earnings: $1,122,280
Mr. Ed Says: Well-bred 3YO graded-stakes tested, but today it’s against best-of-the-best. Yet to prove he can handle classic distance. Look for him late, if at all. Bombs away!
5. FOREVER YOUNG (2-1)
Record: 16-12-1-3
Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
Best Speed Figure: 118
Earnings: $32,313,590
Mr. Ed Says: Hard to argue with defending BC champ as he seeks to become second BCC repeat winner. Classy Japanese import has guns and travels well. Guy’s got it all, including $32 million in the bank. He’s still having fun, but no longer top dog. PLACE is his for the asking.
6. MAGNITUDE (6-1)
Record: 15-8-2-1
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Best Speed Figure: 116
Earnings: $9,626,36
Mr. Ed Says: What’s not to like about graded stakes-tested 4YO? All-time winningest trainer, hottest jock on Keeneland oval, nearly $10 million in bank, stellar record of accomplishment vs. top contenders. Adds up to WIN choice.
7. KNIGHTSBRIDGE (9-2)
Record: 12-8-2-1
Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Luis Saez
Best Speed Figure: 109
Earnings: $1,523,155
Mr. Ed Says: Pacific Classic romp vs. green sophomores convinces Mott to give him a shot. Saez, no slouch in the saddle, picks up mount. A bridge too far.
8. NAPOLEON SOLO (15-1)
Record: 7-3-2-0
Trainer: Chad Summers
Jockey: John Velasquez
Best Speed Figure: 103
Earnings: $2,010,520
Mr. Ed Says: Ageless Johnny V. stays aboard after a tough beat in the Travers, following a rough beat in the Haskell. 3YO son of Liam’s Map shows promise. Wishing him well, after today’s tough, or rough beat.