Breeder's Cup latest venue ...... KEENELAND

The 2015 edition of the Breeder's Cup World Championships deviates from the norm this year. After three straight years at Santa Anita Park and five of the last seven, the two day event is at Keeneland Racecourse for the first time. It will be a whole new ball game for wagering, not seen since the last time it was held at a new site. That was in 2007, the year it expanded to two days and at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Those two days were a turning point in where the event was held because of what transpired. After last weekend's weather, the result could be much like it was in 2007 unfortunately, if mother nature doesn't cooperate.

The weather was a major factor the first time it was held at this new east coast site eight year's ago. Late Fall weather in the northeast can be tricky and that year it was at Monmouth Park. There was pretty much non-stop rain from Friday afternoon until well into the Saturday card. Not the way Monmouth Park wanted it to be for the first time they were holding the Breeder's Cup. Top that off with it being the inaugural expansion of more races and having two days instead of one. It was a washout and one of the reasons that the move to Santa Anita was put in place. We've seen it too, that weather in Kentucky can be brutal this time of the year also.

When the races were held in Kentucky in the past, there were times that they too had off track conditions. This past weekend at Keeneland and New York, weather wasn't favorable and conditions not the best. With the possibly of inclement weather, the size of the Keeneland Racecourse facility for the attending fans, it could be very interesting. Keeneland isn't as large as most host tracks for this event. Much like what NYRA did for the Belmont Stakes and Travers this year, Breeder's Cup is limiting the amount of on-track patrons to the event with a cap on attendance. This is a factor only if you plan on going, but the weather will play a big role on the success of this year's Breeder's Cup Championship day, away from sunny Southern California.

Our handicapping segment this week looks at two turf races that may be affected weather again this week. In New York, the Knickerbocker Handicap (9th) a mile and eighth on the weeds and at Keeneland, the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (9th) for three year old filly turf runners. While the New York is while open, in Kentucky a very sharp three year old filly sticks out over her rivals.

A field of 11 with one (MTO) is scheduled for the route event at Belmont Park which includes the winner from the previous year. I'm leaning toward the two inside horses as my top selections; Middleburg (#1) and Messi (#2) with the later coming off a bad effort going longer at Saratoga in his last start. I'll box these two in my exacta and use underneath; War Dancer (#7) - All Included (#10) - Mr. Speaker (#9). I'm leaving out last year's winner of this race; Legendary (#8).

At Keeneland, a soft turf may be at hand also in their featured event going the same distance as the Knickerbocker in New York. Here the outside filly is head and shoulders best over her competition. Sentiero Italia (#9) is two for two in stakes competition at this level and has been great in winning both those starts. She goes from the outside today and should set a good stalking trip. She's my top pick and underneath I'll use; Olorda (#6) - Blond Me (#7) - Miss Temple City (#3) and longshot - Return to Grace (#5).