As glamour dates on the racing calendar go, it doesn’t get much bigger for thoroughbred horses than the Breeders’ Cup and the 2023 edition takes place this weekend in the shadows of Los Angeles at Santa Anita.
With the best field from around the globe descending on the Golden State, the chance for the rest of the world to take on the North American set on their own patch remains hugely inviting.
No less than 18 races take place over the two-day event across Friday and Saturday, with 14 Grade 1 contests on the slate on both Dirt and Turf.
The best horses, jockeys and trainers are in town, with the likes of Auguste Rodin, Mawj and Elite Power on show, but the Breeders’ Cup is also a chance for stars to emerge.
With that in mind, here at BestofBets we’ve studied the form, going, track and playbook from Santa Anita and picked out THREE big price e/w punts.
*All race times GMT/PT
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf (Friday, 22:20/3:30PM)
Giv’ Frankie a punt – 66/1 BoyleSports
First up, we turn to the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf over 1m on Friday and look to an old favourite.
Frankie Dettori may have ridden his final race on European turf, but a first Breeders Cup at Santa Anita in four years presents further chances for a gold-tinged twilight of his career.
With a total of nines rides across the weekend in Arcadia, by far, the veteran’s longest price hope is on Leonard Powell’s rank outsider, Mo Fox Givin.
But despite his huge antepost, punters should give this youngster a shot.
Over the mile, the 2yo won on debut at Colonial Downs in Virginia, and though runner-up last out at Churchill Downs, that contest was over this trip, pointing to a preference for a longer trip.
With the ground suitably firm, the quicker turf will suit the sprinters and in Mo Fox Givin, not only is there a quick filly, but one who will push late on.
Dettori has not ridden a Breeders’ Cup winner since 2018 on Enable, and never won this race before.
However, after Ryan Moore’s heroics on Meditate last year, could Frankie pull one out of the bag here in his new adopted home?
This race is also worthy of backing two other names in the field, Buttercream Babe and Danny Eplin’s unbeaten Dreamfyre.
The two finished 1-2 in the Surfer Girl Stakes on the same course last time out, with the latter a winner by a neck.
Though this is plainly a more elite field, both are in excellent form and both fetching long odds of 20s+.
FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (Friday 23:00/4:00PM)
A nice tipple – 18/1 William Hill
We go with back-to-back races for number two, and to a colt who can put on a show for Bob Baffert in the Juvenile Alliance.
Wine Me Up, like many this weekend, comes to Cali with little experience, but after winning on debut two months ago, made the trip to Santa Anita last time out, finishing a 9/1 runner-up behind Muth – a 7/2 shot here.
On the dirt, Wine Me Up, the son of Vino Rosso – a Breeders’ Cup Classic victor in 2019 – has the pedigree to make a statement with Ramon Vazquez on board.
In the American Pharoah Stakes, the colt was beaten by almost 4L and will need to really turn it on, but could leave the Pegram, Watson and Weitman ownership team with the bubbly flowing come Friday.
FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (Saturday, 20:30/1:30PM)
In Exaultation – 25/1 Betfred
As Saturday rolls into view, our final big punt of the weekend goes on the Turf Mile, and to a horse who, frankly, we are stunned to see so far down the markets.
Yes, Mawj is expected to bring a third win on the bounce for Godolphin, but Exaulted could spring a surprise.
Exaulted comes into the contest from a Del Mar runners-up spot at the beginning of September, but before that, had won four on the spin.
All four came at Santa Anita, for a horse who remains unbeaten on turf.
🔥 EXAULTED remains unbeaten on the Turf!
💜 His G1 Shoemaker Mile win secures him a spot in the 2023 #BreedersCup Mile at @santaanitapark‼️#WinAndYoureIn
🎥 @TVG
pic.twitter.com/Tn2gtPWV9B— World Horse Racing (@WHR) May 29, 2023
Having made the step-up in trip from 7f without success, Peter Eurton’s progressive 6yo Bay has proved a liking for not only the trip but is very much at home in Arcadia.
Indeed, with the ground firm and fast this weekend, the bay is yet to taste defeat Santa Anita, most recently winning the Shoemaker Stakes back in May – a first Grade 1 win.
That win was further evidence of a growing reputation, and though by far and away a toughest field to date, punters could do a lot worse than with an e/w flutter.
The 2023 Breeders’ Cup begins on Friday at Santa Anita Park, with the Qatar Golden Mile Stakes at 18:30/11:30AM.
Breeders’ Cup 2023: Big-price e/w punts and analysis
How we selected our three big-price each-way punts
Our selection process combines form reading, track adaptability and jockey/trainer patterns tailored to Santa Anita’s conditions.
We prefer horses with recent course form, suitable pedigrees and tactical ability to handle firm turf or fast dirt without relying on favourable pace luck.
Race-by-race form study and key performance factors
Every race is evaluated for recent runs, class of opposition and finishing speed to identify underpriced chances.
We also check sectional times, margins and whether a horse is proven over the trip or is stepping up with a clear breeding case.
Two-year-old form lines and international comparisons
Juvenile races can be misleading, so we place extra weight on race quality and the context of two-year-old progression.
Comparing UK, Irish and North American form helps spot fillies and colts who handle Santa Anita’s undulations and quicker turf.
Dirt versus turf: adapting selection across surfaces
Switches between dirt and turf are common at the Breeders’ Cup, so pedigree and previous surface wins are central to our judgement.
Horses with proven late speed on a similar surface profile are preferred for big-price each-way plays.
Santa Anita track trends: surface and pace considerations
Santa Anita’s turf often favours horses that can handle firm ground and finish strongly from midfield or off a pace bias.
On the dirt, inside draws and early speed can be decisive in certain juvenile events, so we factor drawn position where relevant.
Understanding each-way terms, place payouts and markets
Each-way bets usually pay out on two or three places depending on the bookmaker and field size; always check terms before staking.
Bookmaker place terms vary, so a long-shot at 25/1 may still offer value e/w if the place fraction and places paid match your staking plan.
Jockey and trainer angles to watch across the card
Top riders and in-form trainers carry extra weight in our shortlists, especially those with strong records at Arcadia.
We pay attention to local combinations and travelling stables that have targeted Santa Anita with clear prep runs.
Analysing notable partnerships and recent success rates
Combinations such as rider-trainer or owner-trainer that show a higher strike-rate often edge selections when form is close.
Longevity and course familiarity are useful tiebreakers for horses that may otherwise look evenly matched on paper.
Value betting and staking plans for each-way punts
For big-price each-way punts we recommend small, disciplined stakes and a clear plan for how many places justify a bet.
A sensible approach is to size stakes so a place return is worthwhile while limiting exposure to losing runs.
Practical staking examples and bankroll considerations
Consider flat stakes of 1–2% of your flat bankroll on long-shot each-way punts, increasing only when sustained value is evident.
Keep stakes consistent across the card to avoid chasing losses and to preserve long-term funds for value opportunities.
How to use bookmaker comparisons and responsible tools
Compare prices across licensed UK bookmakers to find the best each-way terms and any enhanced place offers, but avoid impulsive switching.
Use responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits and time-outs if you choose to bet, and never stake more than you can afford to lose.
Checking terms, promotions and account features safely
Read promotion terms carefully for eligibility and pay-out rules and use bookmakers that are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.
Take advantage of speedier withdrawals and clear account controls when choosing where to place a wager.
What to watch on race day and market movement signals
Late market moves can indicate confidence from professional money, but always cross-reference with the race rationale rather than following blindly.
Significant in-running or antepost shifts might reflect stable reports or travel issues, factors we always monitor in the hours before post.
18+ only. Betting should be for entertainment and never seen as a way to make money or solve financial problems.
You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly.
Frequently asked questions about Breeders’ Cup punts
What does each-way mean and how do places work?
Each-way is two bets: one on the win and one on the place, with place terms set by the bookmaker and dependent on field size.
How should I size stakes on big-price each-way punts?
Sensible staking is 1–2% of a flat bankroll for speculative each-way bets; adjust only with proven value over time.
Are Santa Anita track conditions likely to affect outcomes?
Yes, firm turf and fast dirt at Santa Anita favour specific running styles and pedigrees, so check the going before betting.
Can UK punters bet on Breeders’ Cup from Britain safely?
Yes, through UK-licensed bookmakers that offer Breeders’ Cup markets, ensuring regulated protection and verified terms.
What trainer and jockey trends are most valuable to follow?
Course form, recent strike-rates and preferred surface performance are key trends that often predict success at Santa Anita.
How to use bookmaker comparisons to find sensible odds?
Compare prices and place terms across regulated firms to secure the best value and understand each promotion’s rules.
For a curated list of current bookmaker free bets available to new customers you can view our comparison page at https://bestofbets.com/free-bets.
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