Top 5 2014 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Contenders
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Having Jim Rome's Mizdirection out of the picture, there will be a new Turf Sprint champion come Nov 1. The favorite, Reneesgotzip, will get another shot at the title after finishing second behind Mizdirection last year. However, Reneesgotzip drew a horrible position at post position No. 1. Having a right turn at the top of the hill, could be a disadvantage because he'll be in the outside at the first turn. The downhill turf is a unique race, so experience at Santa Anita is beneficial. Out of the top 5, two horses have run the turf sprint at Santa Anita. So, based out of "The Great Race Place," Home Run Kitten could be the spoiler. In fact, in his last three turf races at Santa Anita, Home Run Kitten won them all. Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker will have his first entry as a sole owner with Undrafted.
1. 
Home Run Kitten trained by David Hofmans: Ridden by Joseph Talamo, Home Run Kitten could have some home-cooking at Santa Anita in the Turf Sprint. Home Run Kitten has won its last three races at his home-base track in Arcadia. There have been four Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint races at Santa Anita. All four have been won by West Coast horses, including two-time champion Mizdirection. Home Run Kitten will definitely have home-field advantage. Include Home Run Kitten in all bets. Post Position No. 10.
2. 
Undrafted trained Wesley Ward: Owned by Wes Welker, Undrafted could be the sleeper of the race. Welker appropriately named his horse Undrafted since he was picked up by the Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech. If the 4-year-old gelding races like he did in Jaipur Stakes on June 6, he could very well be an upset. The only downfall is Undrafted has no experience in a downhill sprint. He is a late runner. As Richies Party Girl, Wesley Ward also trains Undrafted. Post Position No. 11.
3. 
Reneesgotzip trained by Peter Miller: Reneesgotzip will enter the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint as the favorite. If not for Mizdirection, who is retired from racing, the Peter Miller-trained horse would be looking to defend his title at the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. So with no Mizdirection, Renneesgotzip will get another chance to win the unique downhill turf sprint at Santa Anita. She is fresh and looks ready to beat the boys. However, Reneeagotzip drew a horrible position at post position No. 1. Having a right turn at the top of the hill, could be a disadvantage because he'll be in the outside at the first turn. The Filly has raced twice since her loss to Mizdirection, winning her last race in the CERF Stakes on Sept. 3 at Del Mar and a third-place finish in the G3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap.
4. 
Bobbys Kitten trained by Chad Brown: Coming off a third-place finish, Joel Rosario will look to ride Bobby's Kitten to victory for the first time since May 31, when he won the Penn Mile Stakes. In last year's BC in the Juvenile Turf, Bobbys Kitten finished third. This year, trainer Chad Brown will gamble and shorten it up, hoping the sprint will pan out better than the mile. In 10 starts, the Ramsey-owned colt has won four times.
5. 
Casper Netscher trained by David Simcock - We had to include a European Horse in the Turf Sprint after dominating last year in all turf races last year. Three years ago, the 5-year-old raced 2011 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs, where he finished eighth of 14. The Brit horse is coming off a first-place finish in the Nearctic Stakes at Woodbine. He is a late runner. Post Position 13.
