There isn’t a more lucrative race that is run annually at the Breeders’ Cup than the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The race typically goes a long way to deciding which horse will be named the American Horse of the Year, and it forms the final band of the Grand Slam of Racing.
As well as that, the race has the highest purse at the Breeders’ Cup, which means it is typically the race that all American trainers target at the beginning of the campaign.
The field is slowly coming together for the 2021 renewal, with Mandaloun recently confirming his spot in the race with victory in the Haskell Stakes. But, which other ‘Win and You’re In’ races will be contested before the famous race at Del Mar later in the year?
Amazing Again Stakes
The Amazing Again Stakes is named after a famous winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and is a ‘Win and You’re In’ race that is staged at Santa Anita on a huge weekend of racing in October.
This race is a Grade 1, and sees horses that are three and older compete over a distance of 1 1/8 miles.
Awesome Again also sired the two-time winner of this race, Game On Dude. It is likely to be an important stop on the Breeders’ Cup route once again this year.
Those looking to make wagers online can Bet Santa Anita Park Online with TwinSpires for the race this year.
Whitney Handicap
One of the most prestigious races that is a ‘Win and You’re In’ is the Whitney Handicap. This race is run at Saratoga, and sees the field compete over a distance of 1 1/8 miles.
It is also a hugely lucrative race for connections, with a purse of over $1 million up for grabs.
The Whitney Handicap takes place annually in August, and it has been a common stop for some of the great winners of the past.
Some of the famous winners of this race include Kelso, Ancient Tile and Slew o’ Gold. Meanwhile, famous Triple Crown winner Secretariat finished second in this race.
The likely contenders that could be going to post for this race in 2021 have already been teased, with Knicks Go and Silver State among them. However, it’s likely that Maxfield will be the favourite to win the Whitney after winning three from four already this season.
Pacific Classic
The ‘Win and You’re In’ racing for the Breeders’ Cup Classic doesn’t slow down in August, as the Pacific Classic Stakes takes place at the end of August at Del Mar.
This race will be more important than ever this season, as it will offer leading contenders a first chance to run over the same course that the Breeders’ Cup Classic will be contested over in 2021. Horses three and over can compete over 1 1/4 miles in this race.
Maximum Security won this race in 2020, while other famous winners include Beholder and California Chrome. Like the Whitney Handicap, some of the runners that could be lining up in the Pacific have already been muted.
Hot Rod Charlie could target the Grade 1 after a contentious decision in the Haskell, which saw him denied a first Grade 1 success after being disqualified. Preakness Stakes winner Rombauer also looks like a likely horse to target the Pacific.
Meanwhile, Royal Ship could look to get back to winning ways in the Pacific. Express Train, who recently beat Royal Ship in the San Diego Handicap, could also be set to re-appear in the Pacific to assure his spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
