Let’s have some fun. It’s been a while since I’ve put together a “Dan’s Double” post, but what better time than Breeders’ Cup weekend. My approach here is to find a double – a two-race sequence (essentially a two-game parlay) – for Breeders’ Cup Friday and Saturday at Keeneland. Unlike most race days, doubles can pay really well on Breeders’ Cup weekend given the larger fields and frequency of long shots winning races over the two days. So, here we go…

Friday, Oct. 30

Admittedly, my strongest feelings on the weekend races come on Saturday, but there are a couple on Friday that are worth taking a swing with in doubles. I’m going to center my play around #13 Agate in what I think is a wide-open Brown Advisory Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Race 10). I loved the way Agate navigated traffic in his most recent race, the Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes, which was run over this same turf course earlier in the month. My only concern would be a loose pacesetter getting away early to an uncontested lead, which would make it harder on the closer. That could potentially be #8 Liam’s Law, so I’ll factor him into my bet, along with #10 Folsom Blues and #12 Oscar. 

The next challenge is connecting this race with a winner in race 9, the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by TAA, which is now only a six-horse race after scratches. Even-money favorite #5 Hughes looks like the most talented horse in the field but I give small chances to Claiborne Breeder’s Futurity winner #6 American History and to longshot #8 He Is No Lie. So, here’s how I’m playing it. 

Keeneland, Oct. 30, Race 9

$10 Double: 5 with 13 ($10)

$5 Double: 5,6 with 8,13 ($20)

$2 Double: 3,5,6,8 with 8,10,12,13 ($32) Saver Ticket

Saturday, Oct. 31

On Saturday, I can’t wait to play #7 Built in the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (race 8). The field is just loaded with speed from the rail, all the way to the outside post where favorite #13 Englishman has used his early pace advantage to dominate this division for months. I think this might be too tough a challenge for him and the race should set up perfectly for a horse sitting off the speed, which is where Built should be for the early stages of the race. The veteran #9 Nakatomi is another horse who should benefit from the early pace in the race, so I’ll use him too. 

I’ll play my double starting in race 7, the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, which will feature a heavy favorite in star European filly #12 Blue Bolt. She’s won six races in and looks to be a one of the likeliest winners of the weekend. I’ll play a secondary ticket with a few long shots including #1 Gimme a Nother and #14 Stellify. 

Keeneland, Oct. 31, Race 7

$10 Double: 12 with 7 ($10)

$5 Double: 1,12 with 7,9 ($20)

$2 Double: 1,4,11,14 with 3,7,9,13 ($32) Saver Ticket