What to Expect in Breeders’ Cup 2022
The Breeders’ Cup is packed with exciting on-track and off-track events, celebrity sightings, fashionable attire, and delectable cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. This year’s Breeders’ Cup will be held on November 4 and 5 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky.
Of course, every Breeders’ Cup season concludes with the World Championships. It is the year’s highlight event for thoroughbred horses, jockeys, trainers, and owners worldwide, featuring fourteen races over two days. Many people will witness the races, so it’s helpful to know what to expect in this annual sporting event. Now, let’s see what the Breeders’ Cup offers for 2022.
The Venue: Keeneland
Every year, the Breeders’ Cup is held at a different venue. After a spectacular November at Del Mar in 2018, the event will return to Keeneland in 2022. This is the third time the race has been held at the Lexington track and the second time in the last three years that the sport’s biggest names have raced over Keeneland.
In 2020, when the event was last held at Keeneland, Authentic triumphed in a thrilling victory by a margin of two and a quarter lengths. Knicks Go won the Dirt Mile at the same meet, and Tarnawa won the Turf.
Schedule and Streaming
Future Stars Friday, featuring the five 2-year-old World Championships races, kicks off the 39th Breeders’ Cup on November 4. The first of Friday’s ten races is scheduled to go off at 11:55 am. ET, with the first of five undercard races taking place earlier.
NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and FanDuel TV will all air live coverage of the two-day championship event. The first day of this year’s World Championships will be televised from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET on USA Network and other major TV networks.
The Races
A number of the world’s best horses are expected to compete in these 14 Breeders Cup races in 2022.
Breeders’ Cup Classic
Competing for the title at the 1 1/4 mile track are the best racehorses of all ages. Flightline, Epicenter, and Happy Saver might all be in the running for the top spot.
Breeders’ Cup Turf
Many horses from other countries have succeeded in the turf cup since it is run on a 1 1/2-mile turf track. All the top turf horses in the world go here to compete against their American and Canadian competitors.
When it comes to horse races, the track and distance at Keeneland typically favor horses from Ireland and England. Midway through October, after Champions Day at Ascot, spectators will have a good idea of the most promising contenders. Mishriff, who did not participate in the 2017 competition, will be there this year. Vadeni, Desert Crown, and Luxembourg are also expected to appear in the race.
Breeders’ Cup Mile
European horses could be strong candidates in the Mile, much as they were in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. The presence of elite European B-stringers in this race attracts a lot of punters outside of Europe. Ivar, whose most recent race was on September 17 at Woodbine, is one such prospect and Going Global, a leading Californian contender. In Love is a local contender who’s also favored to win the race.
Breeders’ Cup Sprint
This race, held over six furlongs on dirt, ends in the blink of an eye. For 2022, Steve Asmussen could try again with Jackie’s Warrior or Gunite, horses that helped him win in the past. Jack Christopher and Cody’s Wish are two additional top choices.
Breeder’s Cup Distaff
The top mares and fillies in the country compete in this 1 1/8-mile race. Secret Oath, Letruska, and Malathaat, winner of the 2021 Oaks, are all potential contenders. Other leading contenders in the breeders cup are Clairiere (trained by Steve Asmussen), Nest (trained by Todd Pletcher), and Blue Stripe (trained by Marcelo Polanco).
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf
The Turf is a race for fillies and mares over 1 1/4 miles. European entries tend to fare better than their American counterparts in this race. Annually, Chad Brown takes the lead with multiple entries. We’re likely to see his Regal Glory this year. Dreamloper, Pearls Galore, Above The Curve, and Nashwa also show promise.
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
This race is a new addition to the Breeders’ Cup. However, previous years’ editions have been quite successful. Among this year’s contenders are Benevengo, Jack Christopher, and Laurel River.
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
There are currently only two possible horses listed for this dirt sprint. Michael McCarthy’s Ce Ce and Goodnight Olive are the only official entrants for this year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.
Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint
A large pool of horses is eligible to compete in this race. Lieutenant Dan is the local favorite, but he has to face off against other horses from the East Coast, such as Golden Pal. They should also expect heavy competition from a large number of Europeans.
Conclusion
Fans and spectators worldwide will gather in 2022 at historic Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, for the Breeders’ Cup. With this guide, we hope you know what to expect and what factors to weigh if you want to either attend the race or bet on your preferred horses in the racing event.