A total of 184 horses will compete in the 2-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the 37th edition of the event and second at Keeneland, which begins Friday with ‘Future Stars Friday’. There will not be any fans at the Breeders’ Cup due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The stars of racing have aligned for races such as the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic which has drawn Kentucky Derby winner AUTHENTIC, Belmont Stakes winner TIZ THE LAW, plus top older horses IMPROBABLE and TOM’S D’ETAT. The Distaff pits Preakness Stakes winner SWISS SKYDIVER against MONOMOY GIRL, while a host of European runners will compete in various events.
From Canada, the reigning Horse of the Year STARSHIP JUBILEE will start from post 1 in the $2 million Filly & Mare Turf at 1 3/16 miles on Saturday. Florent Geroux will ride for trainer Kevin Attard and owner Blue Heaven Farm.
Starship Jubilee is listed at 10 to 1 for what may be her final career race. She is competing against favoured RUSHING FALL, co-bred by Toronto’s John Fielding, and speedster MEAN MARY among others in the 14-horse field.
“It’s the shortest way around there,” said Attard. “She should be able to tuck right behind the speed and work out a trip from there.”
Attard said Starship Jubilee will train Tuesday morning at Woodbine and head to Keeneland soon after and Attard will be following close behind.
Canadian-bred CHANNEL MAKER, champion 3-year-old in Canada three years ago and multiple Grade 1 winner, is a contender in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at 1 1/2 miles. Bred by Ivan Dalos, the 6-year-old has earned over $2.6 million.
Also in the Turf is ARKLOW, co-owned by Donegal Stable and a shareholder in that group is Toronto Raptors’ coach Nick Nurse.
Woodbine Stakes winners MARCH TO THE ARCH (Mile) and the 2-year-old filly DIRTY DANGLE (Juvenile Turf Sprint) are also in action.
Canadian-bred Smiley Sobotka was not entered in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Ontario bred GRETZKY THE GREAT races Friday in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. He was bred by David Anderson – Michael Burns photo
The Breeders’ Cup will be televised on NBC and NBC Sports with the schedule shown below. All times are Eastern.
Friday, November 6, 2:00-6:00pm – Future Stars Friday on NBC Sports
Saturday, November 7, 12:00-2:30 – Championship Saturday on NBC Sports
Saturday, November 7, 2:30-6:00pm – Classic on NBC
For all fields and odds go to horse-races.net
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