Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf: Trends That May Surprise You

By Casey Laughter

The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (GIT) has remained a staple event for 2-year-old colts and geldings on Racing’s Championship Day since it was first run in 2007. In those nine previous editions, upsets and exciting finishes have been seen year after year. Set for its 10th running this year, the Juvenile Turf has a wide open field that could bring some surprises, but until fields are drawn next week , let’s look at some interesting facts about the Juvenile Turf.

– In the nine runnings of the Juvenile Turf, the number four post position has won three times for a 33% clip. The number twelve post has won twice at a 22% clip.

– Irish champion trainer Aiden O’Brien has won the Juvenile Turf three times for a personal 33% clip. John Gosden won the race twice and a 22% clip. Gosden won the race back to back in 2008 and 2009 with Donativum (GB) and Pounced.

– In nine runnings, only one favorite has won the Juvenile Turf. However, the favorite has hit the board every year except in 2011 and 2014.

– Though favorites don’t regularly win, the average payout for the Juvenile Turf winner is $6.20.

– A European-based horse has won the Juvenile Turf six times, but only two European-bred horses have won the race.

– Out of the six European-based winners, five have Sadler’s Wells in the first three generations of their pedigree, which traces back to Northern Dancer. Four of the six European-based winners have both Sadler’s Wells and Danzig in the first three generations of the pedigree. With both these stallions, there is a double dose of Northern Dancer in the pedigree.

These interesting facts can help make handicapping the Juvenile Turf a little easier. Will you pick the winner of the 2016 Breeders’ Cup juvenile Turf?