The Juvenile Turf Sprint may be the most challenging of all 14 Breeders’ Cup races, but it presents a great opportunity to start the Breeders’ Cup with a big score. Here is how I plan on betting the Juvenile Turf Sprint on a $25 budget.
Ranking the Contenders
- Moonlight Romance (#6, 12-1) has won twice by open lengths, which is very hard to do sprinting on the turf. Wesley Ward, who is a master in juvenile turf sprints, loved this filly’s chance in Ascot, but a delay in the paddock and slow start threw her off her game. She rebounded with a sharp win going 6 1/2 furlongs at the demanding Kentucky Downs in her 1st start without blinkers. That effort should have her fit, prime and ready from just off the pace with Jose Ortiz aboard.
- Sergei Prokofiev (#8, 6-1)cost $1.1 million and looked like he was worth every penny last time out. He had a nightmare trip and still stormed home with a great turn of foot to win. He has looked special at 5 furlongs, but ordinary at 6 furlongs. It will be interesting to see how he fares at 5 1/2 furlongs, but his best is certainly good enough to win this especially if the pace is hot early.
- Soldier’s Call (#2, 9-2) almost beat older foes last time out in France, which is unheard of in America for a two-year-old. His prior two races resulted in wins over soft ground, which is what he will likely be dealing with on Friday. He is the class of this field without question, but his stamina will be tested going beyond 5 furlongs for the first time, while facing a more contested pace.
- Bulletin (#5, 10-1) is a total wildcard in this spot. He broke maiden wire-to-wire on an easy pace against a weak field. He looked super doing it however; and got the highest speed figure in the field while doing so. He is bred to be a great turf sprinter by City Zip and gets his acid test on Friday.
- Stillwater Cove (#4, 20-1) has only sprinted on the turf without blinkers once and it resulted in a strong win at Saratoga. She cuts back in distance and picks up Irad Ortiz Jr., who was aboard for her Saratoga win. She should be squarely in the mix at a great price.
- So Perfect (#10, 12-1) is battle tested and ultra consistent, but I question her desire to win after she hung in her latest start. Look for her underneath, but not on top.
- Pocket Dynamo (#12, 20-1) is a small colt who may struggle over a soft surface. If the turf was on the firm side, I would upgrade his chances, as he suffered a horrendous trip against Sergei Prokofiev last time.
- Strike Silver (#1, 4-1) drew the dreaded rail and may have to send after developing a new style last time out. I felt his closing effort was not as strong as it looked on paper as the leaders were falling over themselves late. He has shown great versatility, but he will be overbet in a wide-open race.
Others
- Shang Shang Shang (#7, 5-1)
- Chelsea Cloisters (#9, 8-1)
- Well Done Fox (#3, 12-1)
- Queen of Bermuda (#11, 20-1)
Wagers
$2 Exacta 6 with 2, 4, 5, 8, 10
$2 Exacta 2, 4, 5, 8, 10 with 6
$2 Win on #6
$3 Double 6 with 6 (Newspaperofrecord)
