Breeders’ Cup Betting Guide 2023
Covering everything from the latest Breeders’ Cup Classic betting odds to a full breakdown of how the races are split over two days, our Breeders’ Cup betting guide is the only page you need when it comes to wagering on the fourth leg of horse racing’s Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing.
Where to Bet on the 2023 Breeders’ Cup
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Features of the Best Breeders’ Cup Betting Sites
You’ll find Breeders’ Cup online betting options at nearly every sports betting site on the net. However, some are vastly better than others. For example, some sites offer very different odds on the same horse – so it’s important you select the very best Breeders’ Cup betting sites.
Our experts have reviewed hundreds of horse racing betting sites since launching in 2011. Here’s some of the many factors we consider before giving our seal of approval to Breeders’ Cup betting sites:
Free Bets & Bonuses
It’s not just important that a Breeders’ Cup betting site has free bets and bonuses, but also that they offer genuine value. Our experts closely examine the T&Cs of offers for things like wagering requirements, maximum winnings, expiry dates and other loopholes. Only the best offers make the grade and bump that site up our rankings.
Competitive Odds
It’s important that the site you choose has consistently competitive odds. If you find a site you can trust, you’ll know that you can place a wager on a Breeders’ Cup race without feeling like you’re getting ripped off. This is also true of in-play bets, where odds fluctuate wildly from one moment to the next.
Live Streaming
Some of the best Breeders’ Cup betting sites will offer you the chance to view a live stream of the race. This option is typically unlocked after you place a wager on the race, even if it’s only for a small amount. This makes it easy for you to follow the action live and enjoy the excitement of the major race.
What Is the Breeders’ Cup?
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, or Breeders’ Cup, is a huge annual event encompassing two days of thrilling horse-racing action. There are 14 races spread over the two days, with the Breeders’ Cup Classic being the main attraction.
Initially, the Breeders’ Cup began as a single-day event back in 1984, but in 2007 the decision was made to develop it into a two-day event. Attracting huge crowds which can reach as high as 118,000-plus, the Championships are a huge draw in the US. The one exception was 1996, when the event was held in Canada.
The Fourth Leg of Horse Racing’s Grand Slam
Many now regard the event as the fourth leg of horse racing’s Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing. This consists of the classic Triple Crown races – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes – and the Breeders’ Cup. The fact that the race and event is held in such high regard explains why there is so much interest around Breeders’ Cup online betting.
In fact, the Breeders’ Cup Classic is the country’s premier weight-for-age event, for horses of three years and above, over 1 1/4 miles. Interestingly, the horse that wins the Classic often doubles up by winning the US Horse of the Year award, a respected honor which dates back to 1887.
How the Breeders’ Cup Works
As mentioned, the Championships evolved from a one-day to a two-day event in 2007. The new format consists of 14 races over two days, which gives you plenty of Breeders’ Cup betting opportunities.
The event is usually held in late October or early November. Action kicks off on the Friday with five races, followed by a jam-packed schedule on the Saturday with nine more exciting races – including the Classic.
Here’s a full breakdown of the races you’ll find on Breeders’ Cup betting sites:
| Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|
| $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint (5 ½ furlongs) | $1 million Filly & Mare Sprint (7 furlongs) |
| $1 million Juvenile Turf (1 mile) | $1 million Turf Sprint (5 ½ furlongs) |
| $2 million Juvenile Fillies (1 1/16 miles) | $2 million Dirt Mile (1 mile) |
| $1 million Juvenile Fillies Turf (1 mile) | $2 million Filly & Mare Turf (1 3/16 miles) |
| $2 million Juvenile (1 1/16 miles) | $2 million Sprint (6 furlongs) |
| $2 million Mile (1 mile) | |
| $2 million Distaff (1 1/8 miles) | |
| $6 million Turf (1 ½ miles) | |
| $7 million Classic (1 ¼ miles) |
With so much prize money up for grabs, competition to compete and be among the online betting options at the Breeders’ Cup is fierce. There are three ways to qualify:
Win and You’re In
Known as the ‘Win and You’re In’ system, this method involves winnings a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race. These are held all over the world in countries such as Ireland, England, and Japan.
Points
Another way for horses to qualify is via a points system, based on races which take place throughout the year. Grade 1 races are worth the most points, but even Grade 3 races contribute towards the total points tally. Here’s how it works:
| Race Type | Win | Place | Show |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | 10 points | 6 points | 4 points |
| Grade 2 | 6 points | 4 points | 2 points |
| Grade 3 | 4 points | 2 points | 1 points |
Panel Selection
Finally, horses may be selected by an expert panel for inclusion in the Breeders’ Cup. Betting odds on these horses aren’t far off those who earn their place in the race, as they make up a substantial 50% of the field (seven enter via points and races, and seven join via panel selection).
2023 Breeders’ Cup Betting Odds
Unlike many events which return to the same track every year, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships are held at different venues – including Santa Anita Park, Del Mar, and Churchill Downs. In 2023, the Breeders’ Cup returns to Santa Anita for the 40th running of the World Championships.
This year’s event is scheduled to take place on November 4-5 and, as always, there’ll be lots of betting opportunities. Organizers traditionally release Breeders’ Cup morning line betting odds once post-position draws have taken place. As soon as this happens, we’ll update this page with the latest Breeders’ Cup Classic betting odds and share our predictions for the fourth leg of horse racing’s Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing.
How Do You Bet on the Breeders’ Cup?
If you’re new to betting on the Breeders’ Cup online, don’t worry – it’s easy to sign up and bet on the richest race in North America. Just follow the steps below to get started:
Step 1
Create an Online Betting Account
First, you need to find a site which offers Breeders’ Cup online betting odds. There are plenty recommended on this page, all of which have been vetted by our experts. Choose your favorite and sign up by entering personal details such as your name, email address, and date of birth.
Step 2
Fund Your Account
All Breeders’ Cup betting sites recommended on this page accept a wide range of payment methods. This can include debit and credit cards, e-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller, and possibly cryptocurrencies. Your funds should be available in a matter of seconds.
Step 3
Find Breeders’ Cup Betting Markets
This is the bit that puts some people off betting on the Breeders’ Cup, but you can find it easily. Just click on the “horse racing” section from the A-Z list of sports, then click on “future races” or “ante post”. You can then select “Breeders’ Cup” to view the latest betting odds.
Step 4
Place Your Bets
Now it’s time to make your selections and add them to your betting slip. Once you’re happy with your selections, enter your stake and click “confirm” to place your bet. Now it’s time to watch the big race!
Notable Breeders’ Cup Classic Records
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is a major event in itself, but the Classic is certainly the crown jewel that draws in the biggest crowds. There have been some startlingly high-quality races since its first running in 1984 and the racing world’s most famous names have been involved.
The fourth leg of horse racing’s Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing has a long and illustrious history, and here are some of the most notable records to date:
Most Wins
Most Wins
The fact that two wins is enough to secure the record of most wins demonstrates how high the quality of racing is in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. And the fact that it was achieved in back-to-back years indicates what a unique horse that was.
Tiznow holds the elite record of most wins in the Classic, winning it in both 2000 and 2001 – with just 13/100 of a second between his finishing times. Unsurprisingly, he’s now an entrant to the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame.
Largest Winning Margin
Largest Winning Margin
Volponi (2002) and American Pharaoh (2015) held the record for largest winning margin at 6 ½ lengths until the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Flightline dominated the field to finish 8 ¼ lengths clear of second-place competitor Olympiad. The final time for six furlongs was 1:08.05, just 0.45 seconds off a 48-year-old track record at Keeneland Race Course.
Most Successful Jockey
Most Successful Jockey
This is another tightly contested record, with two gentlemen sharing the top spot: Chris McCarron and Jerry Bailey. Both jockeys have won the race an incredible five times. McCarron first won the Classic in 1988, and most recently in 2001, while Bailey’s wins stretch from 1991-2005.
Always consider the jockey as part of your Breeders’ Cup betting strategy.
Most Successful Trainer
Most Successful Trainer
Bob Baffert’s successes began relatively recently, yet his sheer consistency makes him the most successful trainer in the race’s history. Remarkably, Baffert sealed victory three times in a row from 2014-2016, then came back for another win in 2020.
Again, this is an area you’ll want to study when assessing your Breeders’ Cup online betting options, as the trainer can clearly have a major influence.
Recent Breeders’ Cup Classic Winners
If you read the records above, you’ll see that looking at the history of a race can help with predicting future outcomes and that can assist your Breeders’ Cup online betting. The success of horses in other races is another key Breeders’ Cup betting tip. You only need to look at American Pharaoh to see why, as he captured the Triple Crown and claimed victory in the Classic in 2015.
Here’s some information on the winners of the Breeders’ Cup Classic since 2010:
| Year | Winner | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Time | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Flightline | 4 | Flavien Prat | John W. Sadler | 2:00.05 | Keeneland |
| 2021 | Knicks Go | 5 | Joel Rosario | Brad Cox | 1:59.57 | Del Mar |
| 2020 | Authentic | 3 | John R Velazquez | Bob Baffert | 1:59.60 | Keeneland |
| 2019 | Vino Rosso | 4 | Irad Ortiz Jr | Todd Pletcher | 2:02.80 | Santa Anita |
| 2018 | Accelerate | 5 | Joel Rosario | John W. Sadler | 2:02.93 | Churchill Downs |
| 2017 | Gun Runner | 4 | Florent Geroux | Steve Asmussen | 2:01.29 | Del Mar |
| 2016 | Arrogate | 3 | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert | 2:00.11 | Santa Anita |
| 2015 | American Pharaoh | 3 | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | 2:00.07 | Keeneland |
| 2014 | Bayern | 3 | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert | 1:59.88 | Santa Anita |
| 2013 | Mucho Macho Man | 5 | Gary Stevens | Katherine Ritvo | 2:00.72 | Santa Anita |
| 2012 | Fort Larned | 4 | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Ian Wilkes | 2:00.11 | Santa Anita |
| 2011 | Drosselmeyer | 4 | Mike E. Smith | William I. Mott | 2:04.27 | Churchill Downs |
| 2010 | Blame | 4 | Garret Gomez | Albert Stall Jr. | 2:02.28 | Churchill Downs |
Ready to Bet on the 2023 Breeders’ Cup?
Now that you’ve read our Breeders’ Cup betting guide, it’s time to make your picks and place your bets. Get started by joining one of the best Breeders’ Cup betting sites on this page, then keep checking back to find the latest odds, as they’ll change right up until the start of the race in November.
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About the author
Alan Penny
Editor-in-Chief
Alan hails from Northern Ireland and is an avid fan of all sports. He has been with us since 2017 and serves as SBO’s Editor-in-Chief. Alan passionately covers everything from the latest regulatory developments across the globe to tips on the latest football matches.
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