The Breeders' Cup pre-entries are out. Here is a complete list for each of the 14 races.
I'm interested to get your thoughts on some of them. Anything surprise you? Any disappointments?
I have a few thoughts. First, as far as some of the horses cross-entered, I wasn't too surprised to see Zenyatta has first preference in the Classic. I had been hearing that they were leaning that way, and it seems she could be taking on the boys. I'm sure we'll all have plenty to say about this in the coming days.
I also noted that Girolamo has first preference in the Classic. Of course, Godolphin has four pre-entered in the Dirt Mile (including Girolamo), so this wasn't a total surprise. But if Girolamo does goes in the Classic, he could be a wild card. The horse is super talented. I will be anxious to see how he handles the Pro-Ride next week.
Other mild surprises as far as cross-entered horses are Mastercraftsman, who has first preference in the Dirt Mile, not the Classic, for Aidan O'Brien, and Rainbow View, who has first preference in the Ladies Classic, not the Filly & Mare Turf.
I'm not sold on Quality Road in the Classic, but Todd Pletcher holds a strong hand in the juvenile races. I wouldn't be surprised to see him bag two of the juvenile events. Aikenite and Eskendereya are both major players in the Juvenile, Interactif will be the favorite in the Juvenile Turf, Devil May Care has a chance in the Juvenile Fillies, and he could have two in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. In all, Pletcher has 12 horses pre-entered.
We're only nine days away now, let's start the debating.
Also, as far as the Breeders' Cup handicapping contest, I decided to extend the deadline for picks to Nov. 4, which will allow people to see the final draws and determine where horses like Zenyatta will go. Make sure you have your final picks in by midnight Pacific on Nov. 4. Email picks to jshandler@bloodhorse.com. Again, here are the rules:
1) Pick the winner and second place finisher in each of the 14 BC races.
2) The final tally will be based on a $2 win/$2 place bet in each race. At the end of the 14 races we will add up all the payouts and the winner will be the person with the most money in their bankroll.
3) In the event of an unlikely tie, the tiebreaker goes to the person who has the most money in the BC Classic.
*Note: The scoring is not complicated, but to be clear if you pick, let's say, Einstein to win the BC Classic and he finishes second, you get no money for that pick. He would have to win. Or, if you pick Forever Together to finish second in the F&M Turf and she wins, you will only get her second place money. Understand?
Also, I'll have another blog this weekend, and one when I get to Cali early next week. Don't forget the live blogs begin on Wednesday, Nov. 4 and will go through Saturday.
