The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf race is one that has undergone plenty of changes over the course of the last several years. This year's edition of the race is being run at a mile and an eighth, a distance that could change the way this field shakes out dramatically from last year when it was a 1 1/4-mile race. Regardless as to how long the race is, though, Lady Eli is the horse to beat.
The $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf is the second event on Saturday, November 4 at the Breeders' Cup and shouldn't be missed by bettors. Post-time from Del Mar Racetrack is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET, and all of the action can be seen live on NBC Sports Network.
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Opening Odds
#9 Lady Eli +250
#8 Grand Jete +600
#6 Cambodia +800
#7 Dacita +800
#12 Avenge +800
#14 Rhododendron +800
#1 War Flag +1200
#10 Queen's Trust +1200
#13 Goodyearforroses +1200
#2 Senga +2000
#4 Zipessa +2000
#5 Wuheida +2000
#11 Nezwaah +2000
#3 Birdie Gold +3000
Top Contenders
It's amazing how the post draw can really change the way a field runs. Virtually all of the top talent at the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf is stuck together on the outside.
Starting the No. 8 post is Grand Jete. She's in declining form for sure, but it's not like there's a good reason for it. She lost out on the Flower Bowl Invitational at the wire when she was caught late and finished third to War Flag, and she was pushed at the end of the Beverley D Stakes, too. This race is a little shorter than those two at 1 1/8 miles, and that's why she's a 6 to 1 choice and could be a legitimate threat.
No. 9 Lady Eli is the heavy favorite at 5 to 2. She's hit the exacta in every race of her career, and she's the favorite literally everywhere she's gone.
To her right is Queen's Trust. This Sir Michael Stoute-trained horse isn't quite what she was last year at this time, but let's remember that she did win the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf race last year by coming from absolutely nowhere to win in the dying strides. One step shorter, and she probably never would have stepped foot on American soil again.
Further outside in posts No. 12 and No. 14 are a pair of 8 to 1 contenders with a slew of speed in Avenge and Rhododendron. Had these two been farther to the inside, they both would have been able to take shorter trips around Del Mar, particularly with the first turn coming up relatively quickly in this race. This is a huge disadvantage for two mares that probably could have legitimately contended with Lady Eli otherwise.
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Pick
Simple math will point you in the right direction in this race. Lady Eli has the best Beyer Speed Ratings of the horses in this field, has been the most consistent of the 14 she's up against and has the best post draw of the serious contenders. It's really hard to see her not ultimately win this one, and it's hard to believe that she isn't odds-on.
It was a bit of a surprise last year when Lady Eli wasn't odds-on, and it was probably more of a shock when Queen's Trust caught her at the wire by a nose. We just can't see that happening again. The value is just too good on Lady Eli to pass on her in what should be one of the best races of her illustrious career.
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Pick: #9 Lady Eli
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