The Breeders’ Cup is upon us, and while the world's best horses descend on Keeneland in search of racing immortality, Sports News Blitz is heading into the weekend with one thing on its mind - finding winners!
We've got sprinting sensations, European raiders, American dirt specialists and a couple of favourites we'd rather take on than back.
There's even a 25/1 outsider who could give the big guns something to think about.
So, get the bets on, keep the drinks chilled and let's see if we can make this Breeders' Cup weekend one to remember for all the right reasons!
FRIDAY
Keeneland 6.55 – Force Noir ready to upset the favourite
We're strongly against favourite Libertango in this contest, and there are more question marks surrounding her than there are horses in the paddock.
Having never raced around a bend, she'll need to prove she can handle the track.
Connections have also indicated that she won't be ridden with her usual hold-up tactics, meaning a change of running style could be required.
Add the absence of regular jockey Billy Loughnane into the equation and there are plenty of reasons to look elsewhere.
At 11/8, we're happy to take her on.
So, our first selection is FORCE NOIR (12/1), who could be seriously underestimated after a relatively quiet summer between promising spring and autumn campaigns.
His latest effort in the Middle Park Stakes was encouraging, and if he turns up in the same mood, he looks more than capable of outrunning his odds.
We're also keeping a close eye on MUSSAB, who could prove an even bigger threat at a slightly larger price.
He looks an out-and-out speedster, and the sharp 5.5f trip should play perfectly to his strengths.
His Cornwallis Stakes victory last time out was solid form, and anyone dismissing him could be making an expensive mistake.
Verdict: Libertango looks opposable, with Force Noir and Mussab our two against the field.
Keeneland 8.15 – Amusingly can leave Sun Goddess in the shade
One of the clashes of the weekend sees Sun Goddess take on AMUSINGLY, and we're firmly in the latter's corner.
We were hugely impressed by her performance at Longchamp last time out, where she took on the boys and came away with a thoroughly deserved victory.
She beat several quality horses and did so in seriously impressive fashion.
Her natural pace, combined with a devastating finishing kick, could prove a lethal combination around Keeneland.
Sun Goddess is a strong stayer, but this could be a case of speed trumping stamina.
We fancy Amusingly to have just too much class and tactical speed for her rival.
Verdict: Amusingly to come out on top in what promises to be a fascinating battle.
Keeneland 8.55 – American History can make his own headlines
Dirt racing isn't usually where we get carried away with our betting enthusiasm, but AMERICAN HISTORY has certainly caught our attention.
Quite frankly, we're struggling to understand why he's available at such a generous price.
His debut victory was impressive, but his subsequent success was arguably even better, particularly considering that just about everything seemed to go wrong during the race.
He will need to be sharper leaving the starting gates this time, but there is plenty to like about his ability.
At the prices, he looks a cracking each-way or win proposition, depending on your appetite for risk. We're certainly not letting his odds put us off.
Verdict: American History could be about to write a rather profitable chapter.
Keeneland 9.35 – Haffner ready to hit the right note in Juvenile Turf
Aidan O'Brien has certainly packed plenty of ammunition into this contest, with a sizeable team declared for what looks a cracking renewal.
However, the horse we've had our eye on for some time is HAFFNER.
Ever since his victory at York, when O'Brien suggested the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf could be an ideal target, we've been sweet on his chances. And we haven't changed our minds.
He has a lovely combination of speed and stamina, both of which should prove valuable over this test.
His low draw is another positive and could help him secure a favourable position from the outset.
We'd be surprised if he finished outside the first three and are expecting a very positive performance.
Verdict: Haffner has been on our radar for a while, and we're expecting him to deliver when it matters.
SATURDAY
Keeneland 5.48 – Bacio can announce himself as the world's fastest horse!
BACIO is our NAP of the entire Breeders' Cup meeting, and we're struggling to contain our enthusiasm.
Wesley Ward knows a fast horse when he sees one, and he appears to have unearthed another absolute speed machine.
Ward has described Bacio as the fastest horse in the world, and having watched his performances this season, it's difficult to argue.
His victory at Ascot was impressive, although it came in handicap company. It was his subsequent success in the Nunthorpe Stakes that really made us sit up and take notice.
To produce such blistering fractions and still find the finishing kick on that ground, against a high-quality field, was an extraordinary demonstration of his ability.
Now he heads to Keeneland, effectively his own backyard, where he works every day. He should be completely at home and will undoubtedly have been prepared specifically for this assignment.
We have struggled to find a convincing reason to oppose him since that Nunthorpe performance.
Of course, horse racing has a wonderful habit of making fools of anyone who gets too confident, but we're prepared to stick our necks out here.
Verdict: BACIO TO WIN! He's our banker of the weekend. Get on board before the rest of the world catches up!
Keeneland 8.20 – Notable Speech can sign off in spectacular style
The stage looks perfectly set for NOTABLE SPEECH to bow out in style by retaining his Breeders' Cup Mile crown.
He's a horse who seems tailor-made for this particular test.
His devastating change of pace and ability to accelerate off a bend make him an exceptionally dangerous opponent in any renewal of the race.
His running style can occasionally leave him vulnerable to traffic problems, but a middle draw should give William Buick plenty of options when plotting his route through the field.
The key will be getting him into a good position before unleashing that trademark acceleration. If Buick gets the timing right, we believe Notable Speech has all the tools required to land another major prize.
It would be a fitting way for him to sign off, and we're hoping he can deliver one final headline-grabbing performance.
Verdict: Notable Speech to retain his crown and bow out on a high. Let's hope Buick has packed his sat-nav!
Keeneland 9.36 – Godolphin outsider could cause a 25/1 shock
We've saved an interesting one until last.
EL CORDOBES (25/1) looks a fascinating outsider and could provide Godolphin with another reason to celebrate at Keeneland.
We found it particularly interesting that Charlie Appleby has sent just two runners over for the meeting.
With one of them priced at around even money, we're struggling to understand why El Cordobes is available at such a generous 25/1.
He has developed a solid profile and boasts plenty of experience in races of this nature, including a third-place finish in this very contest last year.
His recent British form might not immediately jump off the page, but if last year's renewal taught us anything, it's that handling the unique demands of American racing can be just as important as official ratings.
He should also come on considerably for his recent outing at Belmont, which will have helped bring him forward for this assignment.
At 25/1, we think there is plenty of value on offer. If Notable Speech delivers earlier in the evening, the Godolphin team could be heading into this final contest on a real high.
It might be a speculative punt, but at those odds, we're happy to roll the dice. After all, nobody remembers the horse that finished fourth in the betting!
Verdict: El Cordobes is our value play at a juicy 25/1. Don't be surprised if he gives the fancied runners a serious fright.
The Breeders' Cup weekend shortlist
With plenty of quality on show at Keeneland, here are the selections we're most excited about:
Friday
6.55 – Force Noir (12/1)
6.55 – Mussab
8.15 – Amusingly
8.55 – American History
9.35 – Haffner
Saturday
5.48 – Bacio – NAP
8.20 – Notable Speech
9.36 – El Cordobes (25/1) – Value bet
There you have it. Eight selections, two days of top-class racing and hopefully plenty of reasons to celebrate.
We're particularly sweet on Bacio, but the outsiders could make things interesting too.
Good luck with your bets, enjoy the racing and remember: the only thing better than a Breeders' Cup winner is one that pays 25/1!
Please gamble responsibly. Betting odds are subject to change.
