Breeders Cup Betting Field Update

The last big weekend of horse racing before Breeders Cup betting on October 24th and October 25th saw Zarkava win the $5.5 million dollar Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in Paris. He upset a couple of horses that were expected to be a part of the field including; Soldier of Fortune and Duke of Marmalade. Youmzain finished second in the race while Soldier of Fortune and Its Gino dead-heated for third and fourth. Duke of Marmalade finished seventh. Zarkava become the first filly to win the Arc since Urban Sea won in 1993.

"We had no worries," said trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre. "She is certainly the best horse I have ever trained." Zarkava is not expected to race again this year. Elsewhere, Bittel Road is looking good heading into the Breeders' Cup betting field for the Juvenile Turf after winning the Grade 3, $200,000 Woodford Reserve Bourbon Stakes. Bittel Road is now three for three in victories and could be a serious contender in the BC Juvenile Turf. The horse went off at even money in horse betting odds for the Bourbon and won by a head under Rajiv Maragh, who substituted for John Velazquez who was hurt on Friday. "That was an exceptional finish," Maragh said.

Also, Vineyard Haven was totally dominant in winning the $400,000 Champagne Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Belmont Park. “How many horses do you know that can do that: go fast, relax on the turn, and then find another gear?” jockey Edgar Prado said. “I had to ease up in the last part because he was opening up too much on the group.” Vineyard Haven now will be a horse to watch in betting the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) on October 25 at Santa Anita. Vineyard Haven led by 3 1/2 lengths in the early stretch in the Champagne and easily won in 1:36.06 on a track rated as fast. It was the third win in four starts for Vineyard Haven. Trainer Bobby Frankel believes the horse could be a superstar. The horse is definitely one to keep an eye on in this year’s Breeders Cup betting field.