A compact but formidable group is set to participate in the 42nd edition of the $2 million Grade 1 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance this Friday at Del Mar.
The 1 1/16-mile contest for 2-year-olds is highlighted by #8 Ted Noffey (4-5 morning-line odds), an undefeated offspring of the consistently successful sire Into Mischief. This gray or roan colt boasts a perfect 3-for-3 record for trainer Todd Pletcher, a four-time Breeders’ Cup Juvenile victor, and appears to be a rising talent.
Ted Noffey commenced his racing journey with a sprint victory during the highly competitive summer season at Saratoga Race Course. Subsequently, he elevated his competition level for Saratoga’s Grade 1 Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Stakes, demonstrating clear dominance by maintaining second position early before surging ahead to dominate by a significant 8 1/2 lengths, achieving a 102 Brisnet Speed rating—the highest in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile field.
Following two sprint wins, Ted Noffey extended his distance to 1 1/16 miles for the Grade 1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland. On this occasion, he applied pressure to the initial leader from the second spot, eventually pulling away to secure a victory by 2 3/4 lengths, earning a 97 Brisnet Speed rating.
Ted Noffey displayed impressive closing speed in both the Hopeful and the Breeders’ Futurity, indicating substantial potential. It’s anticipated that he will preserve his undefeated status in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and triumph despite the short odds.
Given the potentially low payout for a win bet on Ted Noffey, it’s advisable to consider incorporating him into exotic wagers such as the trifecta (selecting the top three finishers in the correct order) and superfecta (selecting the top four finishers in the correct order).
Which horses should be considered for second, third, and fourth positions? #2 Blackout Time (5-1) undoubtedly possesses a strong chance to be a significant factor. Following a commanding 9 3/4-length victory in a one-mile maiden special weight race, Blackout Time performed admirably against Ted Noffey in the Breeders’ Futurity, conserving ground en route to a second-place finish. He finished comfortably ahead of the third-place horse by 2 1/4 lengths and has exhibited progress with each race.
#1 Intrepido (8-1) emerges as another serious contender. In the 1 1/16-mile American Pharoah Stakes Presented by DK Horse at Santa Anita Park last month, he encountered confinement around the final turn, necessitating a wait for an opening. Once clear, Intrepido unleashed a determined late surge to prevail by three-quarters of a length. This performance was visually striking, suggesting Intrepido thrived over the 1 1/16-mile distance, and with a clear path in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, a top-three placing is certainly achievable.
#7 Brant (5-2) is also expected to be a popular choice, having commenced his career with consecutive victories at Del Mar, including a wire-to-wire triumph in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity. Some bettors might favor him over Ted Noffey. However, Brant has been idle for two months and is yet to compete in a race exceeding seven furlongs, representing two notable challenges he must overcome. Historically, three other undefeated Del Mar Futurity victors have attempted to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile following a two-month layoff, with none achieving a finish better than second.
Wagering Approach with a $12 Allocation
$2 trifecta: 8 with 1,2,7 with 1,2,7 (total outlay: $12)
Instructions at the betting window: Del Mar, Race 9, $2 trifecta 8 with 1,2,7 with 1,2,7
Wagering Approach with a $36 Allocation
$5 trifecta: 8 with 1,2,7 with 1,2,7 (total outlay: $30)
Instructions at the betting window: Del Mar, Race 9, $5 trifecta 8 with 1,2,7 with 1,2,7
$1 superfecta: 8 with 1,2,7 with 1,2,7 with 1,2,7 (total outlay: $6)
Instructions at the betting window: Del Mar, Race 9, $1 superfecta 8 with 1,2,7 with 1,2,7 with 1,2,7
Best of luck, and savor the race!
