Breeders’ Cup means two things to Midwest horse fans: great racing and winter is around the corner.  Parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin had some snow over the last few days and while Keeneland hasn’t had snow, there have been soaking rains and BC defections (Beholder, Untapable…) to help make the weekend even more interesting.

Here are some thoughts on the four Breeders’ Cup races on day 1.  Per usual, Ted will be picking a winner or exacta wager while Heather focuses on her expertise: tri and superfectas.  As a side note, Ted’s selections are also being featured, with other experts, at the Hello Race Fans! website.

Juvenile Turf (One Mile)

I hesitantly went with Hit It A Bomb (14).  I wasn’t hesitant on ability, but on post position.  Starting way out in post 14 and a short run into the first turn, I’m a bit nervous abut being caught wide.  I’ll be trusting Ryan Moore to be able to get into relatively good position early and pick off runners through the race.  His win in the Star Appeal at Dundalk was an at-will exercise and I’m hoping to get 5-1 on him.  Heather used him in her tri and super along with Shogun, Highland Sky and Cymric.  (4-5-14; 4-5-13-14)

Dirt Mile

No fancy pants reasoning or trying to get too smart, I’m taking the horse that may be the most heavily favored of the weekend: Liam’s Map (3).  The horse has been terrific this year, been training well and has a front running style, while still being tractable for Javier Castellano, that I think he controls the race from gate to wire. For value, I’ll key him over Red Vine and Lea in an exacta.  For your exotic wagering pleasure, Heather recommends combining Liam’s Map with Red Vine and Lea in your tri and adding Wicked Strong for your super (1-3-5: 1-3-5-8).

Juvenile Fillies Turf (Mile)

I went Euro again in here with Illuminate (10).  She was undefeated before losing by a half length to Lumiere in the Group 1 Cheveley Park at Newmarket.  Though she has her tri and super plays, Heather is going to plunge a bit on the 12, Gliding By.  The change in trainers and the way she overcame a horrible start to take her debut at Woodbine combined with her long odds (30-1 ML) makes her well worthy of a win/place/show wager. (5-10-12; 5-10-12-14)

Distaff (Mile and 1/8)

My win choices were supported by Heather in her exotics, but we depart in the Distaff.  I went with the inside, I’m A Chatterbox (1).  I think that she and Florent Geroux are going to be able to work out a perfect stalking trip and get by late.  I’m just hoping that I get the 8-1 on the morning line.  Heather’s take on the tri and super: Frivolous, Yahilwa, Got Lucky; add Stopchargingmaria to round out the super. (2-10-12; 2-4-10-12)

Good luck!