2020 Breeders' Cup Classic: the runners, the odds, the verdict

1 Tacitus

Trainer: Bill Mott
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Draw: 1
Odds: 33-1

Can look awkward and has been frustrating to follow; probably not quite good enough even if this falls right for him.

2 Tiz The Law

Trainer: Barclay Tagg
Jockey: Manuel Franco
Draw: 2
Odds: 100-30

6-8 record and four Grade 1 wins, including the Belmont Stakes (1m1f), but only second to Authentic in the Kentucky Derby.

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3 By My Standards

Trainer: Bret Calhoun
Jockey: Gabriel Saez
Draw: 3
Odds: 25-1

Smart around 8.5f-1m1f, winning a Grade 2 last time, but likely to be found out in a truly run 1m2f in top company.

4 Tom's D'Etat

Trainer: Albert Stall
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Draw: 4
Odds: 7-1

Grade 2 winner here and Grade 1 winner elsewhere; excuses when behind two of these rivals latest and goes well when fresh.

5 Title Ready

Trainer: Dallas Stewart
Jockey: Corey Lanerie
Draw: 5
Odds: 100-1

0-8 in Graded company up to 1m1f and has never competed at the highest level; would be a shock winner.

6 Higher Power

Trainer: John Sadler
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Draw: 6
Odds: 66-1

Well-held third in this race at Santa Anita last year and winless in 2020; exposed as not good enough.

7 Global Campaign

Trainer: Stan Hough
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Draw: 7
Odds: 25-1

Made all in the 1m2f Grade 1 Woodward Handicap at Saratoga last time; this demands more.

8 Improbable

Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Irad Ortiz
Draw: 8
Odds: 11-4f

Often plays up at the gates but has had a good 2020, winning three straight Grade 1s at 1m1f-1m2f; thereabouts if running to form.

9 Authentic

Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: John Velazquez
Draw: 9
Odds: 11-2

Turned away Tiz The Law to win 1m2f Grade 1 Kentucky Derby; only second to Swiss Skydiver (runs in the 8.54 on this card) in the Preakness subsequently.

10 Maximum Security

Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Luis Saez
Draw: 10
Odds: 4-1

Plenty of high-class form, including first past the post in last year's Kentucky Derby, but laboured second behind Improbable in 1m1f Grade 1 latest.

The Verdict

There's no standout in this year's Classic, rather several with high-class credentials, and Tom's D'Etat is taken to prove best. Front-running Kentucky Derby winner Authentic is second choice.

View the Breeders' Cup Classic card here

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