2016 Breeders’ Cup Distaff Betting Preview PT 1

One of the biggest and most widely-anticipated contests that happens at the Breeders’ Cup every year is always the de facto finale for the opening days action - the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Formerly known as the Ladies Classic, the Distaff pits the best female runners against each other over a 1m1f distance on the dirt track at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. 

There is a lot to like about this year’s iteration of the race and we have one distinct, standout undefeated favourite facing off against an upstart challenger and one of the most respected racemares in recent memory. 

Against them, a talented cadre of longshot contenders lines up and this could wind up being a really solid race for the betting public looking to back a longshot if anything weird happens or the race falls apart somehow. 

The big story coming into this one, obviously, is going to be Songbird - the undefeated three-year-old filly who missed the Kentucky Oaks this year due to injury but has romped in every single race to rattle off an undefeated career. The incredible three-year-old has been able to step up against any challenge she has been offered and has continually turned away all of her foes. 

Coming into this race, you have to show a lot of respect to her and the simple fact remains that many observers believe she would probably be the second favourite for the Breeders’ Cup Classic if she were to run. The connections have always been adamant that they were not interested in running Songbird against males.