2021 Breeders' Cup Classic Field
This is the official field for the 2021 Breeders' Cup Classic including post positions, trainers, jockeys, and morning lines:
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Tripoli (John Sadler/Irad Ortiz) - 15/1
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Express Train (John Shirreffs/Victor Espinoza) - 20/1
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Hot Rod Charlie (Doug O’Neill/Flavien Prat) - 4/1
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Essential Quality (Brad Cox/Luis Saez) - 3/1
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Knicks Go (Brad Cox/Joel Rosario) - 5/2
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Art Collector (Bill Mott/Mike Smith) - 8/1
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Stilleto Boy (Ed Moger/Kent Desormeaux) - 30/1
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Medina Spirit (Bob Baffert/John Velazquez) - 4/1
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Max Player (Steve Asmussen/Ricardo Santana) - 8/1
In the days leading up to the race, odds at online racebooks will continue to fluctuate based on final workouts and information coming out. Keep an eye on the odds, and be ready to bet the Breeders’ Cup Classic online as soon as you see an exciting price on your pick. Unlike at the racetrack, you can lock in your odds online, giving you a wagering advantage.
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks Go | +275 | +200 | +250 |
| Essential Quality | +350 | +275 | +300 |
| Hot Rod Charlie | +700 | +400 | +400 |
| Medina Spirit | +750 | +500 | +400 |
| Art Collector | +700 | +750 | +800 |
| Max Player | +800 | +800 | +800 |
Betting the Breeders' Cup Classic Online
Online wagering sites make it easy to bet the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and any other horse race, from anywhere you have an internet connection. With your smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can bet the Breeders’ Cup Classic at a trusted online sportsbook.
All you need to do is select a racebook and create an account. Though there are many options out there, our expert reviews make it easy to pick the one that can make you the most profit. Our racebook reviews give you trusted information about features, as well as which racebook bonuses can make you the most money depending on your betting style.
Get ready to have a fun and profitable time betting the Breeders’ Cup Classic by creating your accounts at one or more trusted online racebooks:
Free Breeders' Cup Classic Picks
Now that you know how to find the best places to play the race, let’s get to know the best horses in the 2021 Breeders' Cup Classic.
Breeders' Cup Classic Favorite
#5 Knicks Go will likely go off favored after three strong wins in a row. However, he has yet to try a mile and a quarter, and this time he will not likely get the clear lead he loves. After all, #8 Medina Spirit, #3 Hot Rod Charlie, and #7 Stilleto Boy all do their best work when right up front. Though Stilleto Boy does not have Knicks Go speed, the others may be fast enough.
The distance is a serious question for Knicks Go. It isn’t impossible to think he will stay it, as he does cruise home well at a mile and an eighth at this point in his career. But, especially with the likelihood that he’ll have to fight Medina Spirit or Hot Rod Charlier early, it is not exciting to take him at a short price.
Do note that Hot Rod Charlie is not actually wedded to the lead. He could come from just off the pace; his most recent races, speed has been the name of his game, and he can go fast early and keep going like he did in the Belmont. But, he is not one-way, making him the most interesting in the speed brigade.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders
#6 Art Collector, coming into his own now, has a lot of speed, as he showed in the Woodward and Alydar. But, he has a well-honed stalking gear as well, and is more likely to come from just off the pace. He has to prove himself at the distance, but he is a better horse than when he tried 1 3/16 miles in the Preakness last year, and he has the pedigree to try this trip.
#4 Essential Quality faces older for the first time. He has hardly done anything wrong, though it is worth noting that his only defeat came at a mile and a quarter. However, he started poorly that day and may do better with a better beginning. He also could be stronger now, with more stamina as he has had another few months to grow into himself since the Kentucky Derby.
#9 Max Player is the most intriguing horse in the Classic. He is improving late in his four-year-old season, and his last two wins have both come at a mile and a quarter. Though he has to prove his class, as he has not faced Knicks Go or Art Collector yet, he has tactical speed from the outside, he can travel to different tracks, and he will be an appealing upset price..
Breeders’ Cup Classic Longshots
Two local longshots complete the field. #1 Tripoli is a G1 winner at a mile and a quarter at Del Mar, and can improve on the return to that surface, though the field was not particularly tough for the level. #2 Express Train also likes Del Mar, but it is questionable whether he wants to stay that distance.
Breeders' Cup Classic Best Bets
Here are your best bets for the 2021 Breeders' Cup Classic!
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$20 to win - #9 Max Player
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$1 exacta box - #4 Essential Quality, #6 Art Collector, #9 Max Player
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$0.50 trifecta box - #3 Hot Rod Charlie, #4 Essential Quality, #6 Art Collector, #9 Max Player
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$0.20 superfecta box - #3 Hot Rod Charlie, #4 Essential Quality, #5 Knicks Go, #6 Art Collector, #9 Max Player
