Mucciolo: Breeders’ Cup Double Turf Play

Handicapper John Mucciolo brings us his Double Turf play spanning the Juvenile Turf (G1) on Friday's Breeders' Cup card and Saturday's Turf (G1) at Keeneland.

Double Turf Play

• 5,6 with 2,3,4

A unique and exciting wagering option during Breeders’ Cup weekend is the Double Turf. The bet consists of selecting the winner in Friday’s grassy test for the juvenile boys, combined with tabbing the first-place finisher in the 1 1/2-mile turf endeavor on Saturday.

Juvenile Turf (G1)

#5 Cadillac (6-1) is my top play in the one-mile turf test for 2-year-olds. The Jessica Harrington pupil has been impressive from four career starts, and it’s worth noting that his two setbacks came on soft turf courses. I expect the bay to shine on Saturday with regular rider Shane Foley in the silks.

Todd Pletcher’s #6 Mutasaabeq (5-1) went last-to-first in a powerful display in the Bourbon (G2) while making his grassy debut on the course. Into Mischief colt was well hyped before he ever raced, and it’s obvious that he is a huge talent.

Turf (G1)

I think that #4 Mehdaayih (30-1) is a live contender at huge odds. The less-heralded of the two John Gosden trainees has not been especially sharp from two tries in 2020, but she comes in fresh and figures to thrive on U.S. soil due to her running style. Frankel filly was a very promising sophomore in 2019, and I am envisioning a top performance with Rosario in the controls.

#2 Magical (5-2) has been a top-level performer for the duration of her career for Aidan O’Brien. The $5 million earner shows a trio of Group 1 tallies this season and is a must use with Ryan Moore coming along for the ride. #3 Tarnawa (6-1) displayed an electric turn of foot in her Prix de l’Opera (G1) score last time out. Shamardal 4-year-old could give living legend Dermot Weld his first Breeders’ Cup victory with another step forward on Saturday.