The 2013 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious global event returns to Santa Anita Park, California for its 30th running on November 1-2. The best horses from around the world will compete in 15 races over the two-day event, with purses totaling more than $25 million.
The Top 10 Contenders – 2013 Breeders’ Cup Classic
Undoubtedly the showpiece race and the defining event of the international racing season is the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The Classic’s $5 million purse also makes it the richest race in all of North America.
Of the 13 starters for this race (as of this writing), these Thoroughbreds could be considered the Top 10 Contenders:
Game On Dude (Trainer: Bob Baffert)
Based on form alone, Game On Dude must be considered one of the favorites for the Classic. The 6-year old gelding has won an impressive 10 of his past 13 starts in the past two years, including all five in 2013. Dude is also very familiar with Santa Anita, with seven of his 15 career wins coming in that track.
Palace Malice (Trainer: Todd Pletcher)
After a very disappointing 12th place finish at the Kentucky Derby, Palace Malice more than redeemed himself by winning the Belmont earlier this year. Malice will look to once again bounce back from a sub-par 4th place showing at the Travers.
Ron the Greek (Trainer: Bill Mott)
His biggest victory to date is the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), followed by the 2012 Santa Anita Handicap (GI). Owned by Jack T. Hammer, Nils Brous, and Adam Wachtel, his earnings for 2013 so far total $1,138,094.
Fort Larned (Trainer: Ian Wilkes)
A 1st place finish in the Homecoming Classic at Churchill Downs on Sept. 28, Fort Larned is the defending Breeders’ Cup Classic Champion and he is determined to win another big race for his trainer, Ian Wilkes, and his owner, Janis Whitham.
Mucho Macho Man (Trainer: Kathy Ritvo)
Mucho Macho Man has 22 starts and seven wins, with a total of $2,590,410 in career wins to his credit. What makes this particular thoroughbred special is the bond he shares with his trainer, Kathy Ritvo. After placing first in the Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita Park on Sept. 28, horseplayers can expect to see mucho heart from Mucho Macho Man.
Will Take Charge (Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas)
Will Take Charge is one to watch, particularly after taking the $1 million Travers Stakes from Kentucky Derby winner Orb and Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice. So far this year, he’s earned an impressive $1,733,200 — garnered from four wins, 1 place off of 9 starts.
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Rounding off your Top 10 Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders are:
Flat Out (Trainer: Bill Mott)
Paynter (Trainer: Bob Baffert)
Moreno (Trainer: Eric Guillot)
Graydar (Trainer: Todd Pletcher)
