Early look at 2020 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile contenders

Sep 20, 2020 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) will be contested on November 6 at Keeneland, and it’s never too soon to take a peek at the stars of today, and potentially tomorrow. A trio of important “Win and You’re In” races for juveniles remain to be run this fall — the American Pharoah (G1) at Santa Anita on September 26; Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland on October 3; and the Champagne (G1) at Belmont on October 10. Below is my very early top 10 for the Juvenile.

1. Jackie’s Warrior — Asmussen pupil has been brilliant from a trio of dominant wins to date, led by a facile tally in the Hopeful (G1) at Saratoga. Maclean’s Music colt is the clear leader of the division at the moment.
2. Spielberg — $1 million chestnut was runner-up in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) most recently. Son of Union Rags is bred to handle a route of ground, and we have not seen his best as of yet for Baffert.
3. Sittin on Go — Romans trainee is 2-for-2 following a score from off the pace in the Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs. Chestnut son of Brody’s Cause looks like a fine prospect who will prep for the Juvenile at Keeneland in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1).
4. Reinvestment Risk — Chad Brown pupil was an ultra-impressive debut winner at the Spa, and he returned to finish 10 lengths clear in second in the Hopeful. Son of young sire Upstart has a high ceiling and could be a sleeper in the division.
5. Essential Quality — Godolphin homebred did not have a perfect trip in a Churchill maiden race on debut, but the son of Tapit still drew off to a commanding tally against what appeared to be a fine field of prospects. The bay is a bit behind schedule, but his talent could be considerable.
6. Dr. Schivel — Del Mar Futurity victor really came to hand at Del Mar with a pair of sharp tallies at the meeting for Mendez. Violence colt is a question mark going two turns, but he is trending in the right direction currently.
7. North Pole — Pioneerof the Nile colt looked the part in a fine first-out tally for Callaghan. $1.05 million yearling purchase will prosper with extended trips, and he rates as a fine prospect going forward.
8. Calibrate — Second from this list trained by Asmussen dueled early and pulled away late to win on debut in a Saratoga sprint. Distorted Humor youngster has trained swiftly since his score, and his pedigree is slanted toward a horse who will thrive with more distance.
9. Golden Pal — Florida-bred is a wildcard coming in with a trio of short sprints, with the last pair coming on the lawn. The bay is especially fast, and I would be excited to see how far he can carry his speed on the dirt if given the chance by Wesley Ward.
10. Superman Shaq — Half-brother to superstar Monomoy Girl showed vast improvement second out with a fine Del Mar maiden tally at 5 1/2 furlongs for Peter Miller. $550,000 2-year-old purchase figures to move forward as the distances increase, and he could be a divisional player if the colt is anything like his big sis.