The Breeders' Cup stands as a pinnacle event in the horse racing calendar, drawing global attention and featuring the best equine athletes worldwide.
Known for its prestigious races and significant prize money, the Breeders' Cup is the ultimate goal for many in the horse racing community. However, the journey to this grand event is paved with numerous crucial prep races that help shape the field and identify the top contenders.
These prep races highlight potential champions' talents and offer fans and bettors insights into the horses that might shine on the big day.
Held at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California, the Bing Crosby Stakes takes place on Saturday, July 27. Fans can tune in to FanDuel TV to catch the action live. This race is a crucial event on the West Coast and offers a coveted "Win and You’re In" berth to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Its significance has grown since the early 1990s, becoming a prominent fixture on the road to the Breeders' Cup.
The Bing Crosby Stakes has produced several notable winners who have gone on to achieve success at the Breeders’ Cup. Horses like Thirty Slews, Lit de Justice, and Kona Gold have all won the Bing Crosby Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in the same calendar year.
Roy H, another standout, finished second in the Bing Crosby in 2017 and 2018 but later clinched back-to-back Breeders’ Cup Sprints and earned Eclipse Awards. Among these champions, Kona Gold is a repeat Bing Crosby winner who secured the Breeders' Cup Sprint in 2000. Trained by Bruce Headley, Kona Gold enjoyed a stellar career with 14 wins from 30 starts, earning nearly $2.3 million.
The Jim Dandy Stakes, presented by Mohegan Sun, is held at the historic Saratoga Race Course and serves as a prep race for the prestigious DraftKings Travers Stakes on August 24. This race for 3-year-olds is a crucial event at Saratoga, setting the stage for horses aiming at the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
While no Jim Dandy winner has yet won the Breeders' Cup Classic in the same year, several have finished as runners-up, demonstrating the race's importance as a form guide. Notable horses like Louis Quatorze, Medaglia d’Oro, Flower Alley, and Bernardini have all come close, highlighting the Jim Dandy Stakes as a crucial stepping stone.
The race often reveals potential stars and provides a glimpse into which horses might perform well in the Breeders’ Cup Classic later in the season.
The San Diego Handicap has gained prominence over the years as a critical prep race for West Coast dirt horses on the Breeders’ Cup trail. The race serves as an early-season indicator of form and potential, offering insights into the capabilities of the competing horses.
Skywalker, the 1986 winner, famously went on to post an upset victory in the third-ever Breeders’ Cup Classic. More recent crossover successes include Dakota Phone's 2010 victory in the San Diego Handicap, followed by a surprising win in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at odds of 37.70-1.
In 2017, Accelerate showcased his potential with a win in the San Diego Handicap. The following year, he eventually reached peak form by winning the TVG Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar and the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs. These performances underscore the San Diego Handicap's role in identifying future Breeders’ Cup champions.
Held at Saratoga, the Amsterdam Stakes is a sprint race for 3-year-olds that often propels winners to success in the Breeders’ Cup. The race is scheduled for Friday and has occasionally sent its winners on to shine at the Breeders’ Cup. Caleb’s Posse, for example, won the Amsterdam Stakes in 2011 and later triumphed in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.
This race is an early indicator of sprinting talent and potential, providing a platform for young horses to demonstrate their abilities. The impact of the Amsterdam Stakes on the Breeders’ Cup Sprint is significant, with horses like Elite Power, Speightstown, and Orientate winning both the Amsterdam and the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in 2002, 2004, and 2022, respectively.
Another critical prep race at Saratoga, the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, takes place on Saturday and is a crucial event for sprinters eyeing the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. This race has a rich history of producing top-notch sprinters who go on to perform exceptionally well in the Breeders’ Cup.
Standout winners such as Elite Power, Speightstown, and Orientate have all captured both the Vanderbilt and the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, showcasing the race’s importance as a preparatory event. The Vanderbilt provides valuable insights into the form and readiness of sprinting contenders, making it a must-watch for those following the road to the Breeders’ Cup.
The journey to the Breeders' Cup is filled with excitement and anticipation, and these five prep races play a vital role in shaping the field for the championship event. Each race offers unique challenges and opportunities for horses to prove their mettle and earn their place in the Breeders' Cup. Fans and bettors can gain valuable insights into the potential contenders and watch as the road to the Breeders' Cup unfolds by following these preps closely.
