Breeders' Cup 2021: Odds and Predictions for All Entries in Classic Race

In June, Essential Quality won the Belmont Stakes to bring an end to one of the more drama-drenched Triple Crown seasons in recent memory.

Medina Spirit won the Kentucky Derby but tested positive for betamethasone after the race. Though the horse has not been officially disqualified, trainer Bob Baffert received a temporary suspension from the New York Racing Association and was barred from the Belmont.

Rombauer won the Preakness, meaning there was no Triple Crown title on the line this year.

Baffert is sure to be back in the headlines at the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar Racetrack in California. The two-time Triple Crown winner is being allowed to run his horses at Del Mar on the condition that he meets strict conditions.

According to John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times, special measures will include "security officers with body cams and abandoning usual withdrawal times for legal medications."

Baffert commented, per Cherwa: "We are happy to accommodate the transparency. We will care for our horses as we always do, and any testing or observation is welcomed.”

Medina Spirit and Essential Quality will both run in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic.

2021 Breeders' Cup Longines Classic

Where: Del Mar Racetrack

When: Saturday, November 6

Post Time: 8:40 ET

Odds

Tripoli 15-1

Express Train 20-1

Hot Rod Charlie 4-1

Essential Quality 3-1

Knicks Go 5-2

Art Collector 8-1

Stilleto Boy 30-1

Medina Spirit 4-1

Max Player 8-1

Odds via BreedersCup.com.

Medina Spirit is among the early betting favorites, along with two Brad H. Cox-trained horses, Essential Quality and Knicks Go.

Hot Rod Charlie is also among the early favorites after finishing third at the Kentucky Derby and second at the Belmont. In September, Hot Rod Charlie placed first at the Pennsylvania Derby. With a favorable post draw in the No. 3 spot, Hot Rod Charlie should challenge for the early lead.

"We love [the draw]," assistant trainer Leandro Mora said, per Art Wilson of the Los Angeles Daily News. "We are going into the race with a really nice horse, and if you have a nice horse, you're going to have a good race."

However, Knicks Go is the favorite for a reason. The horse has lost only twice since the start of 2020, both fourth-placed finishes on shorter tracks—the 1,800-meter Saudi Cup and the one-mile Metropolitan Handicap.

Knicks Go should fare well on the 1 ¼-mile track Saturday. Starting from the No. 5 gate should at least allow him a fair chance at good positioning through the first turn.

"I'm not sure he can clear off, but hopefully he can. That would give him his best opportunity to win," Cox said, per Bill Finley of Thoroughbred Daily News. "They're going to be going quick. It just depends on how quick they are going and how much pressure he is getting when he goes quick."

Essential Quality also has a favorable opening slot and should look to follow up his Belmont win with a top-three finish at the Breeders' Cup. Essential Quality's fourth-placed finish at the Kentucky Derby is the only one of his nine races that he hasn't won.

Prediction

1. Knicks Go

2. Essential Quality

3. Hot Rod Charlie