The finale for the Friday card is the TVG Breeders Cup Juvenile and a prep race for next year's 2021 Kentucky Derby. Like most of the card a loaded 14 horse field look to take a step closer to the Kentucky Derby next spring. All challengers will have to face off against the undefeated and 7/5 morning line favorite Jackie's Warrior, winner of 2 Grade 1s and a Grade 2 in just 4 starts. But she has yet to face off against some of the competition in here looking to stay undefeated as well; Essential Quality, Sittin on Go, and let addition Classier.
Top Picks
Jackie's Warrior
Trainer: Steve Asmussen Jockey: Joel Rosario
Owner: J Kirk and Judy Robison
4-4 Lifetime $400,000 Earnings
Won Grade 1 Champagne Stakes @ Belmont
Won Grade 1 Hopeful @ Saratoga
Won Grade 2 Saratoga Special @ Saratoga
Won 79k Maiden @ Churchill
A 2 year old colt out of Maclean's Music (Distorted Humor) and Unicorn Girl (AP Five Hundred) is undefeated in his career and looks to show he's the best 2 year old in the country. Posting a monster 101 in his last Grade 1 Champagne race was a JV contest for what he faces in here. More than likely he will go to the early lead and show off his speed and let anyone try to run him down. However it will be interesting to see who challenges for the pace set up and who will press the pace.
Essential Quality
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luis Saez
Owner: Godolphin LLC
2-2 Lifetime $295,000 Earnings
Won Grade 1 Breeders Futurity @ Keeneland
Won 97k Maiden @ Churchill
A lighter raced colt out of Tapit (Pulpit) and Delightful Quality (Elusive Quality) seems to be a real challenger for Jackie's Warrior. Has early speed to possibly press Jackie for the pace and could have the speed to make a pass in the stretch. However has only attempted the mile once in the Futurity and made easier work of the field.
Longshot Picks
Classier
Trainer: Bob Baffert Jockey: Florent Geroux
Owner: Sf Racing LLC Starlight Racing Madaket Stables
1-1 Lifetime $33,000 Earnings
Won 55k Maiden
Son of Empire Maker (Unbridled) is very unique coming into this race after just winning a maiden and is now trying Graded company. Baffert seems to know a thing or two about horses so if hes entered it here watch out.
Sittin on Go
Trainer: Dale Romans Jockey: Corey Lanerie
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC
2-2 Lifetime $145,000 Earnings
Won Grade 3 Iroquois @ Churchill
Won 46k Maiden
Son from Brody's Cause (Giants Causeway) pulled a big upset in the Iroquois last time out and posted a 90 speed figure. Has just as tough company in here to get by but a very interesting pick here and one to wath in the betting pools.
Next
Trainer: Wesley Ward Jockey: Gerardo Corrales
Owner: Silverton Hill LLC
3-2 Lifetime #96,000 Earnings
Won 71,000 Allownace n2L @ Keeneland
Won 90k Maiden @ Kentucky Downs
Interesting with the Speed last out so could be a horse to use for unders.
King Fury
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Jockey: Brian Hernadez Jr.
Owner: Three Chimney Farm & Fern Circle Stables
3-2 Lifetime $116,000 Earnings
Won 98k Street Sense Stakes @ Churchill
8th in the Grade 1 Breeders Futurity @ Keeneland
Won 97k Maiden @ Churchill
A Son of Curlin (Smart Strike) could be a BIG spoiler in here. In the BC Futurity he was 4 wide in the turn and just ran out of gas. Now he has a good post draw from the 2 post and shouldn't get strung out so far wide. Definitely has the speed to contend, but the race set up and positioning will be the man factor.
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