Breeders’ Cup Championship Saturday Dirt Preview: November 4, 2023

It is officially Breeders’ Cup week and the racing world has its eyes affixed to Santa Anita Park. The California track is in final preparation for the massive 2 day event.

Fields Taking Shape

Although handicappers would be wise to withhold from making any final selections this far out, the fields are starting to come together for the events. With pre-entries now available, players can start to identify which horses are likely to run where and which horses may be left out in the cold.

Even less than 5 days out from Future Stars Friday there can still be a lot that changes. Horses will get sick or injured in the final days of prep work and need to be withdrawn. This opens the door for others hoping to secure championship glory from the Also Eligibles list.

List of Defections

The following list is up to date as of 10/30. Changes will be updated on the Breeders’ Cup website.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint

• Crown Imperial
• Hidden Class
• Pearls and Rubies
• Toca Madera

FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

• Johannes Brahms

NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

• V V's Dream

Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf

• Hidden Class
• Johannes Brahms
• Legend of Time

PNC Bank Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint

• Caramel Swirl

FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile

• Paddington
• Sauterne

Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff

• Belleza de Arteaga
• Sabra Tuff

Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic

• Geaux Rocket Ride
• Mage

Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf

• Cellist
• Piz Badile
• Raptor's

Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint

• Anarchist
• Jasper Krone

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint

• Bad Beat Brian
• Meikei Yell
• Noble Reflection

Wagering Menu Now Available

One of the great things about the Breeders’ Cup is the wagering. With so many in the sport fixated on the event the pools are consistently at levels unmatched by any other day of North American racing. This means more money to go around and better value for bettors.

The large pools also allow for money to be spread into more unique pools such as the all-turf pick 3 which will cost a minimum of $3 for a single combination, but could be extremely lucrative if hit.

Wagering Menu and Post Times

Advanced Wagering

Can’t wait for the big day? Want to catch a little extra value on a horse before the post draw? Many sports books are currently offering advanced wagering on the Breeders’ Cup.

This allows you to lock in a price as opposed to dealing with the flexibility of the parimutuel market on the day. Check out the advanced wagering at your favorite online sportsbook.

Breeders’ Cup Championship Saturday Dirt Preview

Jockeys have been omitted from this preview as official assignments will be done at the draw. When listing a horse’ recorded, the stat will be listed as starts-wins-places-shows.

Looking for the rest of the races? Check out our other Breeders’ Cup previews below:

• Friday Turf Preview
• Friday Dirt Preview
• Saturday Turf Preview

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

Established in 2007, the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile was created to provide a specialized event for horses that excel at middle distances on dirt. It offers a one-mile challenge for three-year-olds and older horses, bridging the gap between sprinters and classic-distance runners. Notable winners include Goldencents and City of Light.

ALGIERS (IRE)

• Record: 22-7-7-2
• Trainer: S Crisford
• Key Race(s): 2 Time grade 2 winner in Dubai, most recently in the Al Maktoum Challenge

BRIGHT FUTURE (USA)

• Record: 7-4-0-5
• Trainer: T Pletcher
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga

CHARGE IT (USA)

• Record: 12-4-3-0
• Trainer: T Pletcher
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Suburban at Belmont

CODY'S WISH (USA)

• Record: 15-10-1-4
• Trainer: W Mott
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Vosburgh at Belmont at the Big A and defending champion in the race.

DREAMLIKE (USA)

• Record: 6-1-3-1
• Trainer: T Pletcher
• Key Race(s): Runner up in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx

NATIONAL TREASURE (USA)

• Record: 9-2-1-2
• Trainer: B Baffert
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico

PRACTICAL MOVE (USA)

• Record: 8-5-1-2
• Trainer: T Yakteen
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby

SENOR BUSCADOR (USA)

• Record: 14-6-0-2
• Trainer: T Fincher
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar

SKIPPYLONGSTOCKING (USA)

• Record: 19-6-2-3
• Trainer: S Joseph
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic

THREE TECHNIQUE (USA)

• Record: 32-6-6-8
• Trainer: J Cook
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Nerud Stakes at Belmont

ZOZOS (USA)

• Record: 11-7-1-0
• Trainer: B Cox
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 3 Ack Ack at Churchill Downs

Also Eligibles (In Order)

1. Stage Raider
2. American Theorem
3. Shirl’s Bee

Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

Introduced in 2007, this event focuses on female sprinters aged three years and older. Run at seven furlongs, it highlights the speed and talent of fillies and mares. Past victors include Groupie Doll and Covfefe, showcasing their remarkable sprinting abilities.

CLEARLY UNHINGED (USA)

• Record: 16-6-4-3
• Trainer: M McCarthy
• Key Race(s): Runner up of the Grade 1 Test at Saratoga

DESERT DAWN (USA)

• Record: 16-2-4-5
• Trainer: P D'Amato
• Key Race(s): Runner up in the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch at Del Mar

EDA (USA)

• Record: 11-8-1-1
• Trainer: B Baffert
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Great Lady at Los Alamitos

ELM DRIVE (USA)

• Record: 13-5-0-3
• Trainer: P D'Amato
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 3 Monrovia at Santa Anita

GOODNIGHT OLIVE (USA)

• Record: 11-8-2-1
• Trainer: C Brown
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Madison and defending champion of this race.

HOOSIER PHILLY (USA)

• Record: 9-4-1-1
• Trainer: T Amoss
• Key Race(s): Winner of the listed Monomoy Girl stakes at Ellis Park

KIRSTENBOSCH (USA)

• Record: 17-4-5-2
• Trainer: J Sadler
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 3 Chillingworth Stakes at Santa Anita

MATAREYA (USA)

• Record: 13-6-3-3
• Trainer: B Cox
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Derby City Distaff at Churchill Downs

MEIKEI YELL (JPN)

• Record: 17-7-0-0
• Trainer: H Take
• Key Race(s): 2 Time Grade 2 winner in Japan

SOCIETY (USA)

• Record: 11-7-0-1
• Trainer: S Asmussen
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 3 Chicago at Ellis Park

THREE WITCHES (USA)

• Record: 7-3-1-2
• Trainer: S Joseph
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 3 Princess Rooney at Gulfstream Park

YUUGIRI (USA)

• Record: 14-7-2-1
• Trainer: R Brisset
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Listed Open Mind at Churchill Downs

This race is not filled and therefore has no also eligible runners.

Breeders’ Cup Distaff

Since its inauguration in 1984, the Breeders' Cup Distaff has celebrated the prowess of fillies and mares on the dirt over 1 1/8 miles. This race crowns the best female dirt horses aged three years and older. Notable champions include the iconic Personal Ensign and the unforgettable Zenyatta.

A MO REAY (USA)

• Record: 16-5-3-3
• Trainer: B Cox
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Beholder Mile at Santa Anita

ADARE MANOR (USA)

• Record: 13-7-4-0
• Trainer: B Baffert
• Key Race(s): 5 Race win streak including 3 Grade 2s and a Grade 1

CLAIRIERE (USA)

• Record: 21-8-6-3
• Trainer: S Asmussen
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps at Belmont

DESERT DAWN (USA)

• Record: 16-2-4-5
• Trainer: P D'Amato
• Key Race(s): Runner up in the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch at Del Mar

HOOSIER PHILLY (USA)

• Record: 9-4-1-1
• Trainer: T Amoss
• Key Race(s): Winner of the listed Monomoy Girl Stakes at Ellis Park

IDIOMATIC (USA)

• Record: 11-8-1-2
• Trainer: B Cox
• Key Race(s): 4 Race winning streak including the Grade 1 Spinster at Keeneland

LE DA VIDA (CHI)

• Record: 24-8-5-5
• Trainer: I Correas
• Key Race(s): Runner up in the Grade 1 Spinster behind Idiomatic

PRETTY MISCHIEVOUS (USA)

• Record: 10-7-2-1
• Trainer: B Walsh
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Test at Saratoga

RANDOMIZED (USA)

• Record: 6-4-0-1
• Trainer: C Brown
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Alabama at Saratoga

SEARCH RESULTS (USA)

• Record: 16-7-3-5
• Trainer: C Brown
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 3 Locust Grove at Churchill Downs

WET PAINT (USA)

• Record: 10-5-3-0
• Trainer: B Cox
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 CCA Oaks at Saratoga

This race is not filled and therefore has no also eligible runners.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

Debuting in 1984, the Breeders' Cup Classic has consistently been the pinnacle of the event. It's a 1 1/4 mile dirt race open to three-year-olds and older horses. Often determining Horse of the Year, the Classic boasts legendary winners like Zenyatta, American Pharoah, and Ghostzapper.

This year’s edition will not take its usual spot at the end of the Breeders’ Cup sequence to account for prime time television needs.

ARABIAN KNIGHT (USA)

• Record: 4-3-0-1
• Trainer: B Baffert
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar

ARCANGELO (USA)

• Record: 6-4-1-0
• Trainer: J Antonucci
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Belmont and Grade 1 Travers on the NYRA circuit

BRIGHT FUTURE (USA)

• Record: 7-4-0-2
• Trainer: T Pletcher
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga

CHARGE IT (USA)

• Record: 12-4-3-0
• Trainer: T Pletcher
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Suburban at Belmont Park

DERMA SOTOGAKE (JPN)

• Record: 9-4-0-2
• Trainer: H Otonashi
• Key Race(s): Grade 2 winner in Japan but last raced in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs finishing a well back 6th

KING OF STEEL (UK)

• Record: 7-3-1-1
• Trainer: R Varian
• Key Race(s): Winner of the a Grade 1 Champion Stakes at Ascot

PROXY (USA)

• Record: 19-6-7-2
• Trainer: M Stidham
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 3 Monmouth Cup

SAUDI CROWN (USA)

• Record: 5-3-2-0
• Trainer: B Cox
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx

SENOR BUSCADOR (USA)

• Record: 14-6-0-2
• Trainer: T Fincher
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar

USHBA TESORO (JPN)

• Record: 30-10-1-5
• Trainer: N Takagi
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan

WHITE ABARRIO (USA)

• Record: 14-6-1-3
• Trainer: R Dutrow
• Key Race(s): Whinner of the Grade 1 Whitney at Saratoga

ZANDON (USA)

• Record: 13-3-6-3
• Trainer: C Brown
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Woodward at Belmont at the Big A

Also Eligibles (In Order)

1. Clapton
2. Skippylongstocking
3. Dreamlike
4. Missed the Cut

Breeders’ Cup Sprint

A thrilling event introduced in 1984, the Sprint covers six furlongs for three-year-olds and older horses. This race emphasizes speed and agility. Past champions such as Midnight Lute and Roy H showcased their sprinting brilliance, making it a highly anticipated and exhilarating Breeders' Cup race.

AMERICAN THEOREM (USA)

• Record: 17-4-4-0
• Trainer: G Papaprodromou
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar

DR. SCHIVEL (USA)

• Record: 14-7-2-3
• Trainer: M Glatt
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint

ELITE POWER (USA)

• Record: 12-8-1-1
• Trainer: W Mott
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Vanderbilt at Saratoga and defending champion of the race.

GUNITE (USA)

• Record: 20-9-7-2
• Trainer: S Asmussen
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Forego at Saratoga

HOIST THE GOLD (USA)

• Record: 24-4-6-3
• Trainer: D Stewart
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Phoenix at Keeneland

NAKATOMI (USA)

• Record: 14-5-2-3
• Trainer: W Ward
• Key Race(s): Runner up to Hoist the Gold in the Grade 2 Phoenix at Keeneland

SPEED BOAT BEACH (USA)

• Record: 5-3-1-0
• Trainer: B Baffert
• Key Race(s): Runner up in the Santa Anita Sprint behind Dr. Schivel

THE CHOSEN VRON (USA)

• Record: 17-13-1-2
• Trainer: J Kruljac
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar

THREE TECHNIQUE (USA)

• Record: 32-6-6-8
• Trainer: J Cook
• Key Race(s): Winner of the Grade 2 Nerud at Belmont

This race is not filled and therefore has no also eligible runners.

Continued Coverage from Santa Anita

Santa Anita will begin its racing week Thursday. Check out all of the free AI handicapping tools offered by Betting News to help handicap the Santa Anita pre-Breeders’ Cup card.

This week we will continue to update you on the latest from the Breeders’ Cup including key takeaways from the post draw and full card selections for both Friday and Saturday.