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Racing’s big day to end with a Classic showdown

Racing’s big day to end with a Classic showdown
By the NY Hot List Staff // November 5, 2020

In a year like no other, at least the battle to be the best is falling into place in a typical fashion. As it has happened so many times before, Horse of the Year figures to be decided by what happens Saturday in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. While the winner of the Classic may not emerge as Horse of the Year, it will play the key role in deciding the title. Depending on how Improbable, Maximum Security, Tiz the Law and Authentic fare in Saturday’s 1 ¼-mile Classic, it will either point out the best horse of the year or it will open the door for someone from a different division to walk off with the crown. In a year filled with so much strife, the Classic promises to live up to its name and close out the championship season with a stellar showdown.

Here’s the Hot List picks for the Breeders’ Cup Classic:

The $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, Keeneland, Saturday, Race 12.

(8) Improbable has the best recent record in the field with three Grade 1 victories in his last three starts. He has shown the ability to adjust the way he runs depending on the race situation. He can press that pace and most likely in the Classic he will rate behind what appears to be speedy early fractions. (4) Tom’s d’Etat will make the final start of his career in the Classic. The 7-year-old will make his first appearance in the Breeders’ Cup well rested after running third in the Whitney (G1) in August. He also has a versatile running style. He did hand Improbable his only loss of the year in the Oaklawn Mile. (2) Tiz the Law will make the first start of his career against older horses. He is well rested after running second in the Kentucky Derby (G1). The winner of the Belmont Stakes (G1) and the Travers (G1) has never run worse than third in eight starts. (10) Maximum Security has 10 wins from 13 career starts but lost to his stablemate Improbable in his most recent start. He has trained vigorously for his first start in the Breeders’ Cup. Will he press the early pace or stalk the early leaders?

Full card analysis for both days of the Breeders’ Cup along with the usual picks for Aqueduct from the New York Hot List team will be available free of charge on this website. Good luck.