Breeders' Cup Classic 2015: Latest Odds, Predictions Heading into Saturday
American Pharoah will try to close out an unbelievable season at the 2015 Breeders' Cup Classic, but the biggest race in the sport will be far from a one-horse event.
The $5 million purse will feature some of the best thoroughbreds in the world, all of them proving in past events they should be taken seriously as contenders in any race. While the Triple Crown winner is the most notable runner, eight other challengers could make this an exciting couple of minutes around the track.
According to Beth Harris of the Associated Press, top contender Beholder has scratched from the race, but the rest of the field will ensure a competitive event. Here is a look at the full field and predictions for the 1 ¼-mile race.
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| 1 | Tonalist | Christophe Clement | John Velazquez | 6-1 |
| 2 | Keen Ice | Dale L. Romans | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 12-1 |
| 3 | Frosted | Kiaran McLaughlin | Joel Rosario | 15-1 |
| 4 | American Pharoah | Bob Baffert | Victor Espinoza | 6-5 |
| 5 | Gleneagles | Aidan O'Brien | Ryan Moore | 20-1 |
| 6 | Effinex | James Jerkens | Mike Smith | 30-1 |
| 7 | Smooth Roller | Victor Garcia | Tyler Baze | 15-1 |
| 8 | Hard Aces | John Sadler | Joseph Talamo | 50-1 |
| 9 | Honor Code | Claude McGaughey III | Javier Castellano | 6-1 |
| 10 | Beholder | Richard Mandella | Gary Stevens | SCRATCH |
Predictions
Show: Honor Code
The consistency isn't always there for Honor Code, but this is one of the more talented horses in the race with the pure speed to beat anyone in the field.
He has three wins in five races so far in 2015, including victories at the Grade 1 Whitney Handicap and the Metropolitan Handicap. Both of those wins came over Tonalist, considered by many to be one of the top contenders at the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Andy Serling of the NYRA gave an interesting assessment on Honor Code's chances:
While it is difficult to trust him to win, the horse certainly has a chance to finish among the leaders. He is a strong closer who should be able to handle the distance. Experienced jockey Javier Castellano will also provide a boost as one of the best in the sport, helping navigate a tough field.
From what is now the outside post, Honor Code should be able to get into good position and break late for a spot in the money.
Place: Keen Ice
You could almost say there is a rivalry brewing between Keen Ice and American Pharoah. Keen Ice finished third in the Belmont Stakes and second in the Haskell Invitational, with Pharoah getting first each time.
He finally found a way to break through in an upset win at the Travers Stakes. While this was just the second career win for the three-year-old colt, it certainly was not a fluke.
Steve Haskin of Blood-Horse has liked what he has seen in workouts leading into the Breeders' Cup:
Keen Ice's team is also excited about the post position, especially with Tonalist not known as a great starter, per the Lexington Herald-Leader:
Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. is also capping off an excellent year, currently ranked behind only Castellano in total earnings in 2015, according to Equibase. This team is set for another strong finish and should end up in the money.
Win: American Pharoah
This event will be the culmination of one of the greatest seasons in the history of the sport.
It will be a record-breaking performance for American Pharoah as he becomes the first horse ever to win both the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup Classic. It will be revenge for a loss at the Travers Stakes. It will also be a great send-off before Pharoah heads into retirement.
Even with a few missteps along the way, American Pharoah is simply too talented of a horse to lose this race.
Owner Ahmed Zayat discussed his thoughts on the upcoming race, per Frank Angst of Blood-Horse:
"Winning the Derby, we wanted for the Zayats. I just want to be selfish on that one; we wanted it for us. The Triple Crown, I wanted that for the fans and for the sport. I want him to win Saturday's unbelievable race for Pharoah; to go out in a way that people will always remember him as a brilliant and kind horse.
"
This certainly will be a memorable horse, and American Pharoah will be able to enter the winner's circle one last time with a first-place finish at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.
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