McLean’s Selections for Breeders’ Cup Saturday — Nov. 2

(Stats to be updated)

Here’s our looks at today’s massive Championship events they call Breeders’ Cup Saturday. Sit back. Enjoy. It only comes around like Christmas.

4th: 4-6-10/9-7/1…Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint: I bet Vahva and Society — the 4-6– across the board and then I box them sternly in the exactas. I bet the top 3 numbers in an exacta box, as well. I will key the 4-6 over/under the 10-9-7-1 in two smaller units. I love Society in this spot this year. I didn’t a year ago, when I gave her the toss. But I think she has a big shot here.

5th: 9/12-11/1-6/4…Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint: There does not appear to be a sprinter in the world — either on grass or dirt — better than Cogburn (9) right now. Deserves all the credit and praise, despite the fact that he is earned by one of the biggest jerks to ever grace the paddocks of America. Clark Brewster. But the horse can’t help that. I bet the 12-11 across the board, just in case of an upset and because I can’t stand the other alternative. I will box the 9-12-11 in the exactas.

6th: 2//6-9/1…Breeders’ Cup Distaff: Thorpedo Anna (2) is likely to go off at odds of 1-9 in this affair. But there are reasons to be concerned until she flattens the rest and pulls away by 1, 3, 5, 7 lengths in the stretch today. I am worried there is no other true “speed” in the race and Anna, by default, goes to the lead. Does this gal really want the pace spot? Awesome Result (9) is a perfect 7-for-7 in Japan and Raging Sea (6) has won 3 in a row and 6 of the last 7. Both are serious racehorses, too. I bet? I bet the 2-6-9 exacta box and then play the “all button” over the 2 in another exacta.

7th: 11-3/5-6-10-12-7/1-4…Breeders’ Cup Turf: Rebel’s Romance (11) looks like a true “true closer” and a “true champion and he should toy with this group today. The Appleby didn’t have the greatest of luck on Friday. Due to rally today. This just may be the best one on the day, with William Buick up. Look out. I bet the 11-3 across the board and double down on the win wager for 11. I box the 11-3 sternly in the exactas, and then I key them over/under the 5-6-10-12-7 in two smaller units.

8th: 1-3-2/11/10-9-6/14/7…Breeders’ Cup Classic: What a race. The 2023 version was the weakest group in history. This could be one of the best and, perhaps, the deepest. The addition of the Euro champ — City of Troy (3) — adds a lot of intrigue and hopes. Love to see that one perform well and stamp himself as an American-based sire in the  years to come. I bet? I bet the 1 across the board and then double / triple down on the win bet. This one was probably the best in this year’s KY Derby. Has never done anything wrong. Strong. I go hard. I bet the 1 across the board and double/triple down on the win wager. I box the 1-3-2, and it’s as easy as that. I will key the 1-2-3 over/under the 11-10-9-6 in a smaller version.

9th: 3/10-7/9-12-4/2-5…Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf…I bet Cinderellas Dream (3) across the board and then double/triple down on the win wager. I will key the 3 over/under the 10-7-9-12-4-2-5. More on the 10-7. I will then box the 3-10-7 in two smaller units. Love Cinderellas Dream.

10th: 3-9-5/11/4-2…Breeders’ Cup Sprint…This one will be over before it starts. Or almost. Lots of speed. Lots and lots. Federal Judge (3) may be he best speedster in this one, but the abundance could make leadership in this deal a threat as much as a weapon, Will they all go? Will they burn each other up? Remake (9) is another legit threat, but a speedster. Don Frankie (5) may be able to stalk a bit. But the horse to watch — truly — and bet — seriously — are the two “true closers” in Nakatomi (4) and Gun Pilot (2). So… I bet the 3-4-2 in the exacta box and then key the 3-4-2 over/under the 9-5-11. Across the board on 4-2.

11th: 6-7-12/2-1-9/4/5-9-3…Breeders’ Cup Mile…Again, the Euros to dominate, IMO. I go with Notable Speech (6) and Porta Fortuna (7) across the board and then box the 6-7-12 in one set of exactas. I will key those 3 numbers over/under the 2-1-9-4 in two smaller units.

12th: 6-9/8/10-1-14…Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile…We had to wait this long for my “Breeders’ Cup Play of the Weekend.” I love Seize the Grey (6). Love. Love. Love. This guy is a true miler, who will close at this distance with a good pace in front of him. He can stretch his distance (as with the Preakness), but he prefers the mile, IMO. I go long and strong. I bet the 6 across the board and double/trip down on the win wager. I box the 6-9 in the exactas. I will key the 6-9 over/under the 8-10-1-14. As you may have noticed, I toss Fierceness. Toss.