The Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) is the most important dirt race of the autumn season! The $6 million race always draws the best horses in the handicap division, with top older horses taking on the best three-year-olds, in many cases for the first time. The race covers a mile and a quarter over the Keeneland dirt, and the winner will be a top contender for Horse of the Year.
This year, Flightline is expected to be the favorite after his dominant victory in the Pacific Classic (G1). But, he wil have to face the toughest company of his career. Older horses like Life Is Good and Hot Rod Charlie, as well as top sophomores like Epicenter and Taiba, will make sure that Flightline has the stiffest test of his young career.
Many all-time greats have won the Breeders’ Cup Classic including Sundy Silence, A. P. Indy, Cigar, Ghostzapper, Curlin, Zenyatta, and American Pharoah. Who will join this roster of horse racing greats? Keep reading to find out, and to see the best places to bet the Breeders’ Cup Classic online!
The Breeders’ Cup Classic winners include many all-time greats including Sunday Silence, A. P. Indy, Cigar, Ghostzapper, Curlin, Zenyatta, and American Pharoah. Who will add his name to this list in 2022? Read on to find out the best horses to bet!
Breeders' Cup Classic Field
This is the official field for the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic including post positions, trainers, jockeys, and morning lines:
- Taiba (Bob Baffert/Mike Smith) - 8/1
- Life Is Good (Todd Pletcher/Irad Ortiz, Jr.) - 6/1
- Happy Saver (Todd Pletcher/John Velazquez) - 30/1
- Flightline (John Sadler/Flavien Prat) - 3/5
- Hot Rod Charlie (Doug O’Neill/Tyler Gaffalione) - 15/1
- Epicenter (Steve Asmussen/Joel Rosario) - 5/1
- Olympiad (Bill Mott/Junior Alvarado) - 10/1
- Rich Strike (Eric Reed/Sonny Leon) - 20/1
Remember that the morning line is just Keeneland’s best guess about each horse’s odds. Your better bet is to play the race at an online sportsbook. Online sportsbooks let you lock in the best odds the moment you bet. That way, when you see an overlay on your Breeders’ Cup Classic choice, you can be confident you will actually get that price when they win!
The current Breeders’ Cup Classic odds at the top online sportsbooks are featured below:
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flightline | -225 | -230 | -225 |
| Epicenter | +600 | +650 | +550 |
| Life Is Good | +800 | +850 | +700 |
| Taiba | +1200 | +1200 | +800 |
| Hot Rod Charlie | +2500 | +2500 | +2500 |
| Olympiad | +2800 | +1200 | +1400 |
Breeders' Cup Classic Online Betting
Before you bet the Breeders’ Cup Classic, you should first set out your online betting account. This can seem difficult at first because there are so many choices for where to bet. That’s where our online sports betting experts come in! They can give you trusted insight to pick the best online sports betting site.
Keep in mind that the best betting site option depends on what wagers and stakes you prefer. Every site we recommend has the basics: trusted deposits and cash-outs, real Vegas odds, and a great user interface. But, the real difference between great sites is the bonus structures!
Our experts can help you decide which betting bonuses and promotions will make you the most money. From sign-up and deposit bonuses to referral incentives to horse racing rebates, they will help you navigate the landscape and pick the one that suits your wagering best. That way, you can make hundreds or even thousands of extra dollars for your bankroll!
Breeders' Cup Classic Handicapping
Now that you know about your best choices for betting horse races online, let’s get to know the horses in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Breeders' Cup Classic Favorite
Flightline will be the heavy favorite, but he deserves that status. Though he never tried two turns until this summer, he passed the classic distance test in the Pacific Classic, romping over a good field to win by 19 ¼ lengths. He has the tactical speed to work out a trip, he can take his game to different tracks, and he proved in the Met Mile that he can handle some trouble.
This makes him the one to beat. Though Life Is Good stands to set the pace and Hot Rod Charlie should keep him honest, Life Is Good showed his distance limitations in the Dubai World Cup and Flightline will be able to stalk in close enough range to take command.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders
Epicenter has the most upside of anyone else in the field. The best of this year’s three-year-old dirt route class, he ran an excellent Kentucky Derby at 1 ¼ miles and looked even better when winning the Travers. With tactical versatility, the ability to take his race to multiple tracks, and experienced big-race connections, it would be no surprise for him to move forward again.
Another to consider is three-year-old Taiba. The big question with him is distance, as his only attempt at the Classic trip was the Kentucky Derby. But, he is a more seasoned horse now than then, and trainer Bob Baffert comes strong to the Breeders’ Cup. With tactical speed and improving form, he has upside as well.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Longshots
Though Hot Rod Charlie would be a surprise on top, he has been a fixture at this level since last year and he reliably shows up in major races. He has the speed to goad Life Is Good from the outset, and has the gumption to keep on going. Hot Rod Charlie usually finds the exotics and it would be no surprise for him to find them again.
Happy Saver is another to consider for those deeper exotic tickets. He has not won in a year and a half, but he is a Grade 1 winner at the Classic distance and he continues to pick up checks in top-level handicap races all the way through this year. This is the right distance and with jockey John Velazquez in the irons, he should be rallying for a share late.
Free Breeders' Cup Classic Picks
These are your free expert picks for the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic:
- $20 to win - #4 Flightline
- $1 exacta key - #4 Flightline with #1 Taiba, #6 Epicenter
- $0.50 trifecta key - #4 Flightline with #1 Taiba, #5 Hot Rod Charlie, #6 Epicenter
- $0.20 superfecta key - #4 Flightline with #1 Taiba, #3 Happy Saver, #5 Hot Rod Charlie, #6 Epicenter
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