The 2009 Breeders’ Cup Preview
Event: 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships
Date: November 6th + 7th, 2009
Location: Santa Anita Racetrack, Arcadia CA
Updated Breeders Cup Odds: Click Here
The 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held on Friday November 6th and Saturday November 7th at Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California.
This event is the season ending Championship of Thoroughbred racing with fourteen feature races over the two day span.
These races are the deciding factor for the Eclipse Awards which recognize the “Horse of the Year” as well as other champions of the sport.
Note: A maximum of 14 starters are allowed in each of the 14 Breeders’ Cup Championships races with the exception of the Dirt Mile, Juvenile Fillies Turf and Juvenile Turf which will each be limited to 12 starters.
The following is a preview of some of the key races that make up the Breeders’ Cup.
Ladies Classic: Total Money Purse- $2,000,000 Race Length – 1 1/8 Mile
The Ladies Classic is a weight for age race (all horses must carry a set weight) for fillies and mares 3 years old and up. This race features the top females in the world and a strong field is expected this year. Led by Preakness winner, Rachael Alexandra who currently leads in points and Swift Temper, who just won the Del Cap this past weekend at Delaware Park which means an automatic berth in the Classic, the field is starting to take shape. Other potential contenders include Stardom Bound, Seattle Smooth, and Seventh Street.
Juvenile Turf: Total Money Purse- $1,000,000 Race Length- 1 Mile
The Juvenile Turf is a grass course race for 2 year old Thoroughbreds. This race is seen as a preview of next year’s Triple Crown prospects. Some of the top contenders for this year’s race include; Backtalk, Necessary Evil, Flatter Than Me, and Jealous Again. The end of summer and upcoming fall racing season will continue to shape this field. 
Breeders’ Cup Mile: Total Money Purse- $2,000,000 Race Length- 1 Mile
The Breeders’ Cup Mile is a weight for age turf course race for Thoroughbreds 3 years old and up. This race features an International field of horses from all over the world. Sight Winner has already won a berth in this race by winning the Champions Mile at Sha Tin Race Course in Hong Kong back in April. Other contenders include; Artiste Royal, Mr. Sidney, Einstein, Kip Deville, and Mr. Napper Tandy.
Breeders’ Cup Turf: Total Money Purse- $3,000,000 Race Length- 1 ½ Mile
The Breeders’ Cup Turf is a weight for age turf course race for Thoroughbreds 3 years old and up. Sponsored by Emirates Airline, this race features some of the top three year olds in racing. Precious Passion has already secured a spot in this race with his win in the United Nations at Monmouth Park earlier this month. Other leaders in the point standings for this race include; Gio Ponti, Midships, Battle of Hastings, Just As Well, and Spring House.
Breeders’ Cup Classic: Total Money Purse- $5,000,000 Race Length- 1 ¼ Mile
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is a weight for age dirt track race for Thoroughbreds 3 years old and up. This is the final race on the card featuring the best three year olds in the world. While no one has locked up an automatic berth there are several Challenge Cup races coming up over the next few months that will help determine the final 14 horse field. Current contenders include Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird along with other Triple Crown participants, Musket Man and Quality Road. Two other horses to keep your eye on are Life Is Sweet and Rail Trip.
Along with the Triple Crown races, the Breeders’ Cup offers the most exciting racing in the sport. For the fourth straight year, ESPN will televise live the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
As the Super Bowl of horse racing, the winner of each race is crowned Champion of their division and will take their place amongst the greatest horses in the sport.
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