By: Dean Keppler
Race #7: The Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (Dirt – 6 Furlongs) 3 YO+
Purse: $2 Million
9-Jackie’s Warrior (4/5) was a beaten favorite in this event last year but has looked tremendous since then winning 4 of his last 5 for trainer Steve Asmussen with the lone exception a recent defeat to Cody’s Wish in the Grade 1 Forego. The superstar 4-year-old cuts back to 6 furlongs this afternoon and may not face an abundance of early zip (which is usually a certainty in this event). He’s posted some of the top Beyers in this field (109/110) and enters today’s showdown a fresh horse coming off a 2-month layoff. The 5-year-old mare 2-Kimari (4/1) comes off back-to-back solid wins for trainer Wesley Ward in snappy times and has already proven she handles this Keeneland surface with a win in the Grade 1 Madison in 2021 and a 3rd in this year’s edition. She’s 2 for 2 at 6 furlongs and may have another forward move in the tank making her 3rd start off the mini freshening. She seems to fit snuggly with the boys in this year’s edition.
6-Elite Power (6/1) has won 4 straight for Juddmonte and trainer Bill Mott and comes off a career best 101 Beyer in his Grade 2 Vosburgh 7-furlong victory. However, although he’s won at 6 panels– it may not be his optimum distance and he may have too much to do late if the pace isn’t blistering. 10-Willy Boi (30/1) finished 3rd to top choice in the Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt at Saratoga when beaten 5 lengths back in July and comes into this race fresh and fit for trainer Jorge Delgado. The gelding has never cracked a triple digit Beyer but is 5 for 9 at 6 furlongs; is nicely drawn outside and could trip out nicely following the heavy favorite. 5-Aloha West (12/1) was an upset 11/1 winner of this event last year when spurting home late to win by a nose but may not get the necessary quick pace he capitalized on for victory in the 2022 rendition.
SELECTIONS: 9-2-6-10
WAGERING STRATEGY: TRIFECTAS #9 With 2,5,6,10 WITH ALL
