So, in fields full of exceptionally talented horses, how much do post positions really matter? In my opinion, not as much as they do in lower level races with unproven horses. However, there were a few notable draws yesterday that are worth mentioning as you plan your wagering strategy. 

 

By far, the shortest field in the two-day event is the Filly and Mare Sprint on Saturday. Bob Baffert’s four-year-old filly, Gamine, who has won nine of her ten lifetime starts, apparently deterred many entries. With an injury defection this morning after the draw, the field is down to five. Gamine will likely walk into the gate at post-time as the shortest price in the Breeders’ Cup, at odds of 4-5 or less. The three-year-old filly, Bella Sofia, who was supplemented as an entry, is thought to be Gamine’s main competitor. She drew the outside post, with Gamine just to her inside. That is not a the ideal situation for Bella Sofia, as she attempts to climb the mountain know as Gamine. Gamine is furiously fast, and unless Bella Sofia gets a picture perfect break , she may be chasing another filly for the first time in her life. Tall order. 

 

Another pair of less than ideal draws came in the Juvenile race on Friday. Baffert’s  Corniche drew the far outside post and Jack Christopher, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, drew the one hole. So, the two favorites will compete from the least favorable post positions. Bookends! I think they are both talented and quick enough to overcome those posts.  However, it might set the race up for a colt with a little more value. 

 

Trainer Mark Casse was a bit disappointed, but not surprised with the draw for his three competitors in the Juvenile Turf on Friday. Apparently, Casse is getting accustomed to those less than desirable outside posts, as it has happened twice before at Breeders’ Cup.  This year his colts drew 11, 12, and 13. Yikes! 

 

The last significant post draw is the aforementioned California Angel. The underdog. The $5500 filly competing against million dollar purchases. The trainer who has never been on the big stage. California Angel drew post 14 in a field of 14 for the Juvenile Fillies Turf. IF she can beat those fancy pedigreed, high-priced horses from the 14 hole, she truly does have a special angel on her shoulder. I’ll be screaming and cheering for her every step of the way! 

 

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to publicly express my deep sadness and heartfelt condolences to the family of jockey Miguel Mena, who was killed in an accident Halloween night. Mena rode many horses for us through the years. He always tried hard and had a smile on his face. A true professional. The father of two beautiful little girls would have been 35 on Saturday…Breeders’ Cup Day. Rest easy, sweet kiddo. 

 

Life is so short. Make every single day a winning one.