Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint Picks: Gamine Might Be Supreme

Saturday's first Breeders' Cup race might be the easiest to handicap as five go in the Filly & Mare Sprint (Estilo Talentoso has been scratched) and one of those has never lost around one-turn.

Can anyone stop Gamine...?

Neil's Take...

In my intro up there I asked the question, 'Can anyone stop Gamine...?' and for me the answer is quite short and simple. No.

Sometimes I see horses a bit like prize heavyweight fighters. Until I see the champion beaten then I won't believe they can be defeated and that is exactly how I feel about this Bob Baffert four-year-old sprinter. She is phenomenal and has still yet to be beaten around one-turn. If you put stock in works then you’ll have been blown away by how this daughter of Into Mischief has looked in recent weeks.

So I’m not going to muck around and waffle. Gamine (#5) is a single pick for me. Yes Bella Sofia (#6) could beat her but she would have to bring her ‘A’ game and Gamine be significantly off her best work for me to think that can happen.

Main: 5

Backup: None

Order of Preference: 5-6-4-3

J.N's Take...

To kick off this Early Pick 3 on the massive BC Saturday card, of course most bettors will be “Singling” Bob Baffert’s Gamine #5 for a number of readily apparent reasons. Michael Lund Petersen owns the best horse coming into this race, and Bob Baffert thinks that he has a winner here. The daughter of Into Mischief has only lost one race over the course of 2 years, which is clearly a stellar record. Her only loss came at the hands of Shedaresthedevil, a power runner for Brad Cox who is course entered in the BC Distaff (G1). Pick her … “Single” her … but if you are bold enough, you could take a shot against her with Rudy Rodriguez’s Bella Sofia #6. She has her own record going.

Over the past 3 races, she has sprinted impressively, setting some stiff fractions. At NYRA’s Belmont she graduated from ALLW Co., jumping up and winning gamely in the Test S. (G1) at Saratoga. Luis Saez took over in this spot, and coasted to victory. The 3-yr-old filly did not let up the Gallant Bloom H. (G2), and even though there were only 3 others competing, Rudy Rod’s Runner was spectacular. She might not have the deep experience of Baffert’s speedster, but she is going to be an excellent price. If the daughter of Awesome Patriot can go head-to-head with her rival, then she has a shot to score. What a battle this could shape up to be? For my money, I think Rodriguez’s charge has the ability to upset.

Top Selection: 6

Backup: 5