Registration has opened for Thoroughbred racing’s biggest live-money handicapping tournament, the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC). Registration and the complete 2026 rules and information can be found by visiting BreedersCup.com/BCBC.
It’s opening weekend of the fall meet at Keeneland Race Course, where we’ll see both rising stars and some of the most notable current horses in training looking to establish themselves as Breeders’ Cup contenders. With that, there are plenty of opportunities to take swings, and I’ve found a few prices on the Fall Stars Saturday program that seem genuinely intriguing.
First run in 1867, the Champagne Stakes is one of the oldest races for 2-year-olds in North America and has long been a springboard for legendary horses early in their careers.
Welcome to Noel Michaels’ Weekend Winners, the place to go for weekend best bets and spot plays from veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer Noel Michaels. Check back every week for a couple of highlighted selections designed to help you cash a few bets and make some money.
A full field of a dozen 2-year-olds will compete for a “Win and You’re In” berth into the Brown Advisory Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf in Saturday’s running of the Grade 2, $250,000 Pilgrim Stakes going 1 1/16 miles on the grass at Belmont Park.
