Churchill Downs Horsemen Give Their Breeders' Cup Classic Picks

Nov 03, 2017 Churchill Downs Communications,Kevin Kerstein

Some of Churchill Downs’ top horsemen gave their expert opinion on who they like in Saturday’s $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (Grade I) at Del Mar. Here’s what they had to say:

Trainer Phil Bauer: “I think Collected deserves a look. He’ll be breaking from the outside and is a sneaky horse to try and beat the two favorites.”

Trainer Pat Byrne: “I’m all about Collected. He’s the clever one to use and Bob (Baffert) probably has him in a good spot heading into the race.”

Trainer Norm Casse: “I have to stick with Gun Runner and Team Churchill Downs for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.”

Trainer Greg Foley: “I don’t know how they’ll beat Gun Runner. He’s looked great every step of the way.”

Trainer Chris Hartman: “I think Gun Runner may be up against it. A lot of people will make the argument about how Arrogate didn’t like the track at Del Mar but I think he was just a bit off form. If Bob (Baffert) has him right, he’s still the best horse in the country and could improve coming into this race.”

Trainer Wes Hawley: “Apparently Gun Runner has just been training up a storm in California. I’m not entirely convinced with him, though. I think Arrogate and even Collected have a shot to win.”

Trainer Neil Howard: “Gun Runner has been doing so well in his training and throughout the entire year in the afternoons. No matter who comes out on top, this match-up is so good for racing. These are two very nice horses and it is setting up for a great race on Saturday.”

Trainer Eddie Kenneally: “I still think Arrogate is the best horse if he’s doing better than the summer. If he’s doing well, he’ll win this race.”

Trainer Paul McGee: “I’m still up in the air with who I’ll pick. Right now I don’t think I’ll pick Arrogate. With Gun Runner, he’s been so consistent that it will be tough to pick against him but I still have a bit of homework to do.”

Trainer Rob O’Connor: “Gun Runner is ready to fire like a pistol.”

Trainer Mike Tomlinson: “The major thing Gun Runner has going for him is his consistency. Throughout his entire career he’s been so consistent for Steve (Asmussen). The thing with being in California is you never know how he’ll like his surroundings.”