2016 Breeder Cup Preview

The big news for the 2016 Breeders Cup is that California Chrome will be headlining the Classic. The Classic is the most competitive race of the Breeders Cup each year, and California Chrome is one of the most popular horses in American history. He won the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes as a three year old, and then the 2016 Dubai World Cup. These big wins have allowed Chrome to become the all-time top earning race horse in North American history. It’s no wonder that he’s the favorite here.

This will not be an easy race for California Chrome, although he is currently the favorite at even money. Arrogate is also entered in this race, and is expected to be the main challenger. Arrogate won the 2016 Travers Stakes where he beat Exaggerator and Creator, the 2016 Preakness and Belmont Stakes winners, respectively. Not only did he beat two of the hottest horses in racing, but he broke the Stakes record at Saratoga. The Travers is one of the biggest mid-season races in the world, and this was not a weak record. Arrogate is a strong horse, and his only real disadvantage over California Chrome is that he is a three year old. With Chrome seeming to be in top form, this will put Arrogate at a disadvantage, but a good trip will even the playing field. In fact, although Chrome is the strongest horse here, if Arrogate sees post time odds of 4-1 or better, he should be a great value bet.

There are ten horses entered in the Classic.

The other big race being held at the Breeders Cup is the Distaff. This race only has eight horses entered in it, but it is one of the most competitive Distaffs that has ever been held. There are three Eclipse Award winners entered: Beholder, Songbird, and Stellar Wind. This proves to be an exciting race, even with it being one of the smaller events.

The Breeders Cup is being held at Santa Anita racetrack in California this year, on November 4th and 5th. The Classic is scheduled to be the last race on Saturday.