Breeders Cup Classic: Flightline goes the distance
The best horses in the world will clash this weekend in the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland. The most lucrative and exciting race of the meeting is the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1)! The $6 million race is the feature race of the dirt route division, and it draws racing’s top stars to cover a mile and a quarter on dirt, the Classic distance.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is the can’t-miss horse race betting event of the year! Flightline, the winner of the Pacific Classic, looms as the favorite. But, it will be the stiffest test of his career. Between top older horses like New York-based Life Is Good and Happy Saver and top sophomores like Travers winner Epicenter and Taiba, there is a lot to dive into!
Who will add their name to a winners’ list that includes all-time greats like A. P. Indy, Cigar, Curlin, and Zenattta? Keep reading to find out, and to find out the best places to bet on the Breeders’ Cup Classic online in New York!
Breeders' Cup Classic Horses
This is the official field for the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic, including post positions, trainers, jockeys, and morning lines:
- Taiba (Bob Baffert/Mike Smith) - 8/1
- Life Is Good (Todd Pletcher/Irad Ortiz, Jr.) - 6/1
- Happy Saver (Todd Pletcher/John Velazquez) - 30/1
- Flightline (John Sadler/Flavien Prat) - 3/5
- Hot Rod Charlie (Doug O’Neill/Tyler Gaffalione) - 15/1
- Epicenter (Steve Asmussen/Joel Rosario) - 5/1
- Olympiad (Bill Mott/Junior Alvarado) - 10/1
- Rich Strike (Eric Reed/Sonny Leon) - 20/1
Keep in mind that the morning line is only Keeneland’s best guess about what the betting will look like come post time. You are not guaranteed these odds. Fortunately, you can get an advantage by wagering online. Since online sportsbooks offer fixed odds on the Breeders’ Cup, you can make a bet and lock in your odds the moment you put down your stake.
That way, you know exactly what you will be paid when your horse wins!
Free Breeders' Cup Classic Picks
Now that you know how to find the best places to play the race let’s get to know the best horses in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic.
Breeders' Cup Classic Favorite
Flightline looks a deserving favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Though still lightly raced, with only five starts, he could not have passed the ten-furlong test more impressively than when he won the Pacific Classic by 19 ¼ lengths. Even better, he showed in the Met Mile that he could handle adversity and that he could stalk the pace and make a run. Those are the tools he needs.
Life Is Good, winner of the Dirt Mile last year, showed his distance limitations in the Dubai World Cup this year. With Hot Rod Charlie around, he is unlikely to get a breather on the front end, meaning he will be ripe for Flightline to swoop past. Take a stand against Life Is Good.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders
Epicenter has the most appeal to move forward among the rest of the Breeders’ Cup Classic field. He has yet to face older horses yet, but both of his tries at a mile and a quarter have been strong, including a dominant victory in the Travers. He has pace versatility, trusted big-race connections, and the ability to take his race with him. That makes him tough.
It would also be no surprise to see Taiba bring a strong effort to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Taiba looked better than ever when winning the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) last out. Though he has yet to win at the Classic distance, he is a more seasoned horse now than he was when he attempted the Kentucky Derby earlier this year. He should be ready for trainer Bob Baffert.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Longshots
The aforementioned Hot Rod Charlie finally broke a streak of finishing underneath when winning the Lukas Classic (G2) last out. Though that was just a hard-fought battle over Rich Strike and these foes are tougher, Hot Rod Charlie finishes in the money at this level over and over, and that consistency could get him another piece of the Breeders’ Cup exotics.
Happy Saver will probably be the longest shot on the board, but there are good reasons to consider him for the deepest exotics. Though he has been winless over the last year and a half, he is a Grade 1 winner at ten furlongs and he still frequently fills out the exotics in top-level handicap races. That stamina, plus the fact that the pace in front should be honest, sets up well for a share.
Breeders' Cup Classic Day Wagering
In the Breeders' Cup Classic, you can wager on the same horse racing bets that tracks across the country offer. You can bet to win, meaning the horse must run first. You can bet to place, meaning the horse must run first or second. A show bet means the horse must run first, second, or third. Across the board means betting a horse to win, place, or show.
You can also shoot for a bigger score with exotic wagers. An exacta requires picking the first two horses in order, the trifecta the first three in order, superfecta the first four. Boxing these wagers costs more, but ensures you have every order covered, so your horses can finish in any order.
You can also pick winners in multiple races. A Daily Double requires you to pick the winners of two races in a row. A Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 require you to pick winners of 3, 4, and 5 races in a row.
Breeders' Cup Classic Bets
Here are the best bets for the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic:
- $20 to win - #4 Flightline
- $1 exacta key - #4 Flightline with #1 Taiba, #6 Epicenter
- $0.50 trifecta key - #4 Flightline with #1 Taiba, #5 Hot Rod Charlie, #6 Epicenter
- $0.20 superfecta key - #4 Flightline with #1 Taiba, #3 Happy Saver, #5 Hot Rod Charlie, #6 Epicenter
Where to Bet the Breeders' Cup Classic
Now that you know how to bet on the Breeders’ Cup Classic, it’s time to get your money down! These are the best racebooks for New York bettors who want to play the Breeders’ Cup Classic and races all year long. Every recommended racebook offers trusted deposits and cash-outs, a great user interface, and market-leading odds.
Our experts will also help you decide which racebook bonus offers are right for you! Choosing the best bonuses for your betting style can mean hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars in your bankroll. So, take a few minutes now to read that expert insight, and set yourself up for the best profits in the Breeders’ Cup Classic!
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