2026 Breeders’ Cup: Under-the-radar contenders on Saturday

Many of the races on 2026 Breeders’ Cup Saturday at Keeneland feature competitive fields with appealing live longshots to consider betting.

Even if a double-digit-priced horse falls short of victory, a top-three finish can boost payoffs in exotic wagers like the trifecta and superfecta.

Here are three under-the-radar contenders we recommend playing on Breeders’ Cup Saturday:

Race 4: Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1): #6 Majestic Oops (15-1)

There’s plenty of pace entered in the Filly & Mare Sprint, so why not consider a confirmed closer like #6 Majestic Oops (15-1)?

A veteran of 39 starts, Majestic Oops has primarily contested two-turn races as of late, most recently finishing second in the 1 1/16-mile Zenyatta (G2). But her infrequent sprint races have been solid. She won the six-furlong American Beauty S. by 3 1/4 lengths while clocking her final furlong in a swift :11.89, and last year she finished third in the seven-furlong Ballerina (G1), beaten only by next-out Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint third-place finisher Hope Road and eventual Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) winner Scylla.

If Majestic Oops encounters a fast pace while cutting back to seven furlongs, she may close from out of the clouds to challenge for victory at enticing odds.

Race 6: Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1): #3 Full Serrano (10-1)

#3 Full Serrano (10-1) won the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in gate-to-wire fashion. He’s lost five starts in a row leading up to the 2026 edition, but he showed signs of returning to form in the 1 1/4-mile Pacific Classic (G1) last time out. He dueled with eventual winner Knightsbridge through intense fractions of :23.17, :45.94, and 1:10.02 (remarkable for a race with only 15 feet of run-up distance) before staying on to finish third with a 103 Brisnet Speed rating.

Cutting back to one mile off a sharp series of workouts stamps Full Serrano as an intriguing price play in the Dirt Mile. Don’t be surprised if he rebounds in a big way.

Race 8: Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1): #3 Liam Smith (20-1)

#13 Englishman (4-5) is an odds-on favorite to win the Sprint, but his big wins in the Woody Stephens (G1) and H. Allen Jerkens (G1) came over seven furlongs against fellow three-year-olds. Dashing six furlongs against older horses is a different ballgame, and Englishman must overcome breaking from the far outside post position.

#3 Liam Smith (20-1) is also three years old, but he’s shown blinding speed over 6 1/2 furlongs and may prove difficult to catch. Last time out, in a $50,000 allowance optional claimer at Santa Anita, he set fractions of :20.92, :42.86, and 1:07.38 on his way to victory by 5 1/2 lengths in 1:13.90. Liam Smith looms as a dangerous pace player in the Sprint, and there’s a chance he makes the lead and never looks back.

Good luck!