Charlatan Early Favorite for 2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic

Mishriff wins the 2021 Saudi Cup with Charlatan, the early favorite for the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic finishing second. (Photo credit: Equestrian Club of Saudi Arabia).

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has the early favorite for the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in Charlatan in odds released by BetUS.

The colt, last seen running second in the Saudi Cup behind Mishriff is the current favorite in early Breeders’ Cup Classic betting odds at BetUS at 11-2.

The colt was being pointed toward the Met Mile (G1) on Belmont Stakes Day, but instead was sent to Margaux Farm in Midway, Ky. after a reported physical setback.

The colt’s last work was May 15 at Churchill Downs, going five furlongs. The New York Racing Association had suspended Baffert after Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit failed a post race drug test, so Charlatan would have had to be transferred to another trainer to run.

His connections said the NYRA suspension had nothing to do with the decision to bypass the Met Mile.

Charlatan was disqualified from his win in the 2020 Arkansas Derby (G1) after he tested positive for lidocaine, but his win was restored by the Arkansas Racing Commission after an appeal.

Mishriff, the Saudi Cup winner came back to win the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) on Dubai World Cup Night in March but is not being posted toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic at this time. His next start likely will come in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July.

His long term goal at this point is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) where he is currently the third choice at 8-1 behind Love at 13-2 and Tarnawa at 17-2 in the latest Arc odds released by BetUS.

Mishriff Wins 2021 Saudi Cup

While CDI and the NYRA have suspended Baffert, he can still run at Santa Anita and Monmouth Park has welcomed him as well. It is unclear if the Breeders’ Cup will suspend Baffert from participating in this year’s event, which will be held at Del Mar on Nov. 5 and 6.

Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Essential Quality is currently listed at 19-2 in early Breeders’ Cup Classic betting odds at BetUS. The colt came out of his Belmont Stakes win in good sharp and is likely headed to Saratoga for the Travers (G1).

“It’s one of the more prestigious races out there for three-year-old colts. So that would be the logical spot,” Cox said. “It’s a mile and a quarter and we know he can handle that. In regard to a race before, it would be nice. Saratoga is obviously a demanding track. I wouldn’t say we have to have a race before that, but it would be nice. I think the logical spot would be the Jim Dandy, but we’ll get him back to Churchill and let him tell us over the next couple of weeks how he’s feeling.”

The current co-second choice in early Breeders’ Cup Classic odds is Mystic Guide at 15-1. The colt is perfect in two starts this year, winning the Razorback Handicap (G3) at Oaklawn Park and then winning the Dubai World Cup (G1) in his last outing.

His next start could come in the $400,000 Suburban (G2) at Belmont Park going 1 ¼ miles on July 3.

Mystic Guide Wins Dubai World Cup

Happy Saver is the co-second choice in early Classic betting at BetUS at 15-2. The Todd Pletcher trainee beat Alw-3 optional claimers on May 28 in his first start since winning the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) last October at Belmont Park.

His next start also may come in the Suburban according to Pletcher.

“He came out of it in good order, I thought he ran well off the bench,” Pletcher said. “We didn’t have him fully cranked up, so being able to come back and win off the layoff off sort of a moderate work tab was good. Hopefully, he’ll move forward off that, the Suburban is on the radar. Timing wise, it’s good, he’s bred to go a mile and a quarter and obviously has already won at that distance. That’s the most likely target.”

2021 Breeders’ Cup Odds via BetUS: