I feel pretty safe in posting this as there are only 9 entered. Yep. Just 9.
Fairly odd for a typical BC race that draws the max.
Welp...., here I go with my 1st BC breakdown:
A.P. Indian: Not sure a sprinter can have a better year than this guy. 6 for 6 with 4 Graded Stakes wins at 3 different tracks. The real question could be "just who has he beat". Sure, I get that, but this field isn't exactly full of G1 winning royalty either. Major factor, and could well be the favorite.
Delta Bluesman: I've always liked this one, and his last in which he came from off the lead could be key. This 6YO has never been keen on passing horses, even as a sprinter, yet closed hard and late last out. Has great speed of foot like many others in here (obviously), and could be a big player in exotics, and a possible bomber.
Drefong: The Baffert will be bet. Lightly raced, but wins by daylight time in and time out. Hell, tough to find the 2nd place horse in his win photos even from a blimp. The only real question remaining for this guy is if he can roll on with a contested lead? Then again, will he get one? Likely chalk. Will be really tough.
Joking: No, no I'm not. This deep closer is in off of his career best effort as a 7YO. By far in his best form, but this is a tough task to ask him to get this one done. Love the entry, just not sure he is good enough.
Limousine Liberal: OK. So he can't beat AP or Delta. Then again, can he do it at Santa? Really solid horse that rarely runs a bad race (unless you consider his 11th in last years BC Sprint
). Would not be shocked if he won.
Lord Nelson: 4s are wild for this guy. A 4YO with 4 wins in 4 races this year. This 4YO has fired right from the get go on the connections plans of sprinting. Holds home court advantage as well and has Mr. Baffert in his barn. This is one of my solid selections going into the BC, just hoping I can get
4/1 
or more.
Masochistic: Has completely romped in his last two races and rolls in on what is likely a career best effort. Post position could be key as he is a "need the lead" type. Dangerous entry with local connections that has run well here before.
Mind Your Biscuits: Deep closer would need a complete pace meltdown and essentially the entire field to not run well. Won't have on any ticket.
Noholdingback Bear: Class? That is the question. Sure, he can beat Biscuits, but can he beat the others in here? A front-ender that doesn't finish. I'll pass.
SUMMARY: I'm likely chalky with an AP/Lord Ex and in trying to fit other things underneath. Probably fire a Lord/Limo Ex as well. Still all over Lord Nelson and hopefully can get 4/1 or better. Will fire at 3/1.
