Belmont at the Big A: Breeders’ Cup Prep Saturday Analysis

Breeders’ Cup preps are happening across the country Saturday. Belmont at the Big A will host 2 such events in the Frizette and the Champagne.

Along with qualifying winners for the horse racing world championships in November, the events both also carry the prestigious Grade 1 label as well. Check out our full analysis and Belmont at the Big A picks below!

Saturday, October 7, 2024 Full Card Analysis

Belmont at the Big A – Race 1

Post: 12:05 PM ET; $47k Maiden Claiming, 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #4 UNCLE EDDIE (4-1) gets the nod as our top selection, appearing to be the class of the field and boasting a pedigree that positions him as a major player.
• #8 CROWN THAT SAINT (3-1) should be competitive with solid speed figures.
• #1 GUANARE (7-2) is expected to improve and be competitive, making sense on speed figures and having a promising pedigree.
• #3 COWBOY LUKE (8-1) might improve off the first start and could be a valuable addition to exacta and trifecta bets with solid early pace figures in a race that lacks significant front-running speed.

Selections: 4 – 8 – 1 – 3

Belmont at the Big A – Race 2

Post: 12:36 PM ET; $65k Starter Allowance, 1 1/8 m on dirt; Entries: 8

• #8 WHAT'S UP DOC (4-1) is our top pick, fitting well in this race.
• #2 SOUTH STREET (10-1) is a price horse and a potential major player with a favorable race setup. Proven to handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #5 GUT FEELING (3-1) should be competitive, boasting races good enough to beat this group. With tactical speed, he can stalk and pounce.
• #4 STRAPPED (7-2) shouldn't be overlooked, making sense on speed figures and coming into the race in good form.

Selections: 8 – 2 – 5 – 4

Belmont at the Big A – Race 3

Post: 1:10 PM ET; $200k Waya S., 1 3/8 m on turf; Entries: 8

• #5 MCKULICK (3-5) appears to be the standout, having proven her ability to handle these conditions and going out with the formidable combination of Brown and Ortiz.
• #4 PERSONAL BEST (8-1) could be a contender, proven to handle these conditions and making sense on speed figures.
• #6 SISTER O'TOOLE (8-1) is a fringe contender expected to come with a competitive run, fitting well in this field.
• #2 ROMAGNA MIA (4-1) shouldn't be dismissed, coming into the race in good form and with a chance for a strong performance under the guidance of Motion and Franco.

Selections: 5 – 4 – 6 – 2

Belmont at the Big A – Race 4

Post: 1:40 PM ET; $500k Joe Hirsch Turf Classic S., 1 1/2 m on turf; Entries: 8

• #2 WAR LIKE GODDESS (2-1) takes the top spot, making sense on speed figures and holding the top overall power rating in the group.
• #6 SOLDIER RISING (5-1) could contend, seeming to be the class of the field.
• #4 REBEL'S ROMANCE (9-5) is a fringe contender, looking to have the closing kick to challenge late and fit well in this field.
• #7 STONE AGE (5-1) isn't without hope and has been solid in recent starts.

Selections: 2 – 6 – 4 – 7

Belmont at the Big A – Race 5

Post: 2:12 PM ET; $400k Frizette S., 1 m on dirt; Entries: 6

• #5 JUST F Y I (3-1) is our top pick, expected to improve and capable of running evenly with a favorable pace scenario. Consistent in recent starts.
• #2 LIFE TALK (9-5) appears to be a major player, proven to handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #3 PRINCESS INDY (15-1) is a price horse to consider, showing potential as a major player with the ability to handle these conditions.
• #1 IRISH MAXIMA (9-2) should be competitive, running evenly and poised for a strong performance with the top overall power rating in the group.

Selections: 5 – 2 – 3 – 1

Belmont at the Big A – Race 6

Post: 2:44 PM ET; $200k Belmont Turf Sprint S., 6 f on turf; Entries: 12

• #1 BIG INVASION (5-2) is our top pick, displaying strong recent form and poised for a standout performance with the top overall power rating in the group.
• #10 WIT (6-1) appears to be a major player, having races good enough to contend.
• #3 ALOGON (8-1) should be competitive and positioned in the first flight with a late chance, proven to handle these conditions.
• #12 NOTHING BETTER (10-1) is a price horse to watch, coming into the race in good form and making sense on speed figures.

Selections: 1 – 10 – 3 – 12

Belmont at the Big A – Race 7

Post: 3:16 PM ET; $100k Allowance, 6 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #2 I'MHAVINGAMOMENT (2-1) takes the top selection, not troubled by the distance, and showing solid early pace figures in a race lacking significant front-running speed.
• #1 SECURITY CODE (9-2) should be competitive, making sense on speed figures.
• #8 OBRIGADA (4-1) is another contender, fitting well with her speed figures.
• #4 ROYAL POPPY (8-1) has potential and shouldn't be underestimated, especially under the guidance of the Handal barn and Davis.

Selections: 2 – 1 – 8 – 4

Belmont at the Big A – Race 8

Post: 3:46 PM ET; $500k Champagne S., 1 m on dirt; Entries: 8

• #7 GOLD SWEEP (8-1) is our top pick, looking like the class of the field and capable of handling the distance.
• #4 GENERAL PARTNER (7-2) is a major player, going out for the Brown barn and in good recent form.
• #5 EL GRANDE O (8-1) is another strong contender, proven to handle these conditions and coming into the race in good form.
• #3 TIMBERLAKE (3-1) should be competitive, boasting the top overall power rating in the group and going out with the Cox-Geroux combination.

Selections: 7 – 4 – 5 – 3

Belmont at the Big A – Race 9

Post: 4:22 PM ET; $500k Jockey Club Derby Invitational S., 1 3/8 m on turf; Entries: 9

• #3 WEBSLINGER (7-2) looks strong here, not troubled by the distance, and featuring consistent pace figures that could work well in a moderately paced race.
• #2 FARADAY (8-1) should be competitive, displaying solid recent form.
• #7 ANGLOPHILE (5-1) is poised to be competitive, expected to sit mid-pack and launch a late charge.
• #9 MONDEGO (10-1) is a price horse to consider, in good recent form and appearing to be the class of the field.

Selections: 3 – 2 – 7 – 9

Belmont at the Big A – Race 10

Post: 4:53 PM ET; $100k Allowance, 7 f on dirt; Entries: 12

• #10 FRAT PACK (2-1) takes the top selection, with races good enough to beat this group. He has tactical speed and can position himself for a stalk-and-pounce trip.
• #2 LAFITTE'S FLEET (10-1) is a price horse and a major player, expected to sit in the second tier and launch a well-timed run.
• #5 MAKER'S CANDY (5-1) is a contender, with solid recent performances and the top overall power rating in the group.
• #11 OCEAN'S RESERVE (8-1) should be competitive and might be a threat if allowed to control the pace.

Selections: 10 – 2 – 5 – 11

Belmont at the Big A – Race 11

Post: 5:24 PM ET; $65k Starter Allowance, 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 14

• #9 DIAMOND STATUS (5-1) is our top pick, making sense on speed figures.
• #2 DONTMESSWITHTESS (6-1) is a major player, also making sense on speed figures and boasting the top overall power rating in the group.
• #4 MISS KRISTY (8-1) should be competitive and could benefit from a fast pace.
• #8 BERNT AGAIN (9-2) is another contender with the top overall power rating, to be respected especially with the guidance of the Schettino barn and Franco.

Selections: 9 – 2 – 4 – 8

Betting News Horse Racing Coverage

Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.

In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of select cards throughout the week. This week’s analysis will feature many of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races including:

Friday

• Keeneland featuring the Alcibiades, the Jessamine, and the Stoll Keenan Ogden Phoenix

Saturday

• Belmont at the Big A featuring the Champagne and the Frizette.
• Keeneland featuring the Breeders’ Futurity, the Coolmore Turf Mile, and the Thoroughbred Club of America
• Santa Anita featuring the American Pharoah, the Chandelier, and the Rodeo Drive.

Sunday

• Keeneland featuring the Bourbon Stakes and the the Spinster.

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