The weekend most Flat racing fans have been waiting for is now upon us as the Breeders’ Cup 2023 is set to be staged at Santa Anita on Friday and Saturday. The European challenge looks quite strong again this year and they may well take five or six races across the two days if things go well. Adrian Wall has highlighted three longshots for Friday night’s action but you can find our free Breeders’ Cup tips, including an accumulator and mega accumulator, on our website right now!
Mick Appleby’s Big Evs could be the one to catch as he will blast out and try to make all in his usual all guns blazing style. However, one horse that might give him something to think about is Amidst Waves. This horse is one of three runners in the race for George Weaver, another trainer seeking his first Breeders’ Cup winner. He won the Bolton Landing at Saratoga in good style and flow home late when losing narrowly in the Indian Summer at Keeneland. If there is a pace collapse, he could take advantage.
Buchu is a well bred daughter of Justify and is well worth her place at this level. She won the “Win and You’re In” race in the Grade 2 Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland, staying on very well down the outside in the closing stages. Buchu remained in the third-to-last position as the field approached the final stretch. However, her jockey Garcia skilfully guided his horse to the widest part of the track and began gaining significant ground between the quarter pole and the three-sixteenths pole. She will be held up for a late challenge again.
River Tiber is a strong favourite for this race but we advise an each-way bet on a US horse that has demonstrated greater consistency over a mile, and that is Agate Road. This horse has been made for this assignment and he won’t lack stamina in the finish. Given he is trained by Todd Pletcher and will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr, both of whom have an extensive history of Breeders’ Cup victories, he looks too big a price to ignore.
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