TEMPLEGATE tackles the star-studded action on day two of the Breeders’ Cup from Del Mar confident of finding some winners on US soil.
Sky Sports Racing will show all the action while ITV4 will broadcast three races – the Distaff, Turf and Classic – live from 8.45pm.
Templegate’s Breeders’ Cup day two picks
7.00 Filly And Mare Sprint
HOPE ROAD brings the sharpest form on offer.
Her top-level success last time underlined a rare mix of speed and stamina over this testing 7f, and she’s clearly thriving since.
Bob Baffert has her peaking at just the right moment.
Sweet Azteca’s big figures give her claims, though she looked less convincing once pressed, while stablemate Richi may find the sharper tempo exposing.
Tamara shaped well in lesser company but this is a different grade, and Vahva’s early-season sparkle has faded.
Splendora’s Del Mar wins flatter her given softer opposition.
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7.41 Turf Sprint
MOTORIOUS has a cracking record at Del Mar and can keep this prize in California.
He’s run at this seaside track five times and landed four wins and a second. The latest of those came over this trip on fast ground at Grade 3 level and he was a neck second in this race 12 months ago.
He may need a little luck to avoid traffic from the rail draw but he’s going the shortest way round.
Reef Runner could find this too sharp having just scored over an extended 6f at Santa Anita.
Ag Bullet’s pace and versatility make her a threat and she’s another who was placed in this 12 months ago.
Khaadem’s Woodford win proved the veteran’s fire still burns and he could be a few spots too big with the bookies to make the frame under Frankie ‘three retirements’ Dettori.
Bucanero Fuerte was just behind non-runner stablemate Arizona Blaze at The Curragh last time and is another with place prospects.
8.21 Sprint
STRAIGHT NO CHASER can repeat last year’s Sprint triumph after a much-needed comeback.
His Santa Anita return showed sharp early dash before fitness told and Dan Blacker’s patient prep mirrors last season’s winning formula.
Well drawn to track the speed and strike late, he’s right at home over this brisk 6f.
Bentornato looks the main danger after his Churchill Downs romp, but this is deeper and he’s unproven round here.
Kopion oozes class but tackling males could stretch her in such a ferocious contest and Imagination’s rise may need another step forward.
9.01 Distaff
SEISMIC BEAUTY sets the standard for class and consistency.
Controversial Bob Baffert’s front-running mare is unbeaten round two turns and her Clement L. Hirsch Stakes win here marked her as a powerhouse at 9f.
She’s been clocking figures none can match and, with absentees thinning the opposition, she’ll take catching if breaking well.
Dorth Vader’s Spa Stakes effort gives her a shout, but she may struggle to lie up early, while Nitrogen still lacks a killer edge.
Clicquot’s upward curve is admirable but this is a tall order.
If the track rides fair, Seismic Beauty’s blend of pace and stamina should prove decisive.
9.41 Turf
REBEL’S ROMANCE looks primed for a remarkable Breeders’ Cup Turf hat-trick.
Charlie Appleby’s globetrotter was dominant in the Joe Hirsch last time, showing that trademark turn of foot which wins top races.
His autumn record is flawless and with William Buick aboard, tactics are simple – sit handy, strike early, and let stamina tell.
Minnie Hauk’s Arc second marks her as a big danger, though the sharper turns around here may blunt her finish.
Goliath brings class but remains inconsistent since his 2024 King George glory and Amiloc’s galloping style might find this tight track tricky.
10.25 Classic
FIERCENESS looks the finished article for the Classic.
His emphatic Pacific Classic win here showed he can perform over this trip.
Todd Pletcher’s timing looks spot on and his liking for this track could prove decisive.
Sierra Leone is a late closer of real ability but often leaves it too late, while Forever Young’s Japanese prep was ideal though he’s unproven on this sharper surface.
Mindframe has talent but may lack enough experience for this battle, while Journalism is consistent without landing a blow.
11.05 Mile
NOTABLE SPEECH sets the standard in the Mile.
Charlie Appleby’s colt was unlucky not to win the Jacques le Marois before asserting at Woodbine and his class plus electric turn of foot suit this sharp test.
William Buick knows him inside out and he’ll relish a strong pace.
The Lion In Winter has solid claims for Aidan O’Brien after his QEII second 14 days ago, while Sahlan thrives but may want softer going.
Rhetorical brings strong local form and Johannes adds solid California credentials.
11.45 Dirt Mile
NYSOS oozes quality and looks America’s leading miler in waiting.
Bob Baffert’s star was slick in the San Diego and the sharp Del Mar mile will play to his strengths of a high cruising speed and a ruthless kick.
Prat times him to perfection and, if he breaks well, he could simply outclass them.
Stablemate Goal Oriented should appreciate the drop in trip, while Full Serrano, last year’s winner, returns in form but faces a stronger rival.
Mystik Dan’s stamina is an asset if they go hard, and Citizen Bull adds local pace.
12.25 Filly And Mare Turf
CINDERELLA’S DREAM can make amends in the Filly & Mare Turf.
Appleby’s Shamardal filly has top-level form this season and shaped far better than the result in the Sun Chariot.
Freshened up, she brings the class and turn of foot for this tight test and Buick will deliver her late.
Back on quicker ground, she’s ready to strike.
Diamond Rain rates the danger after her E.P. Taylor effort, while See The Fire’s French form gives her claims if adapting to the turns.
She Feels Pretty has shone Stateside but faces her hardest task yet.
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