Future Stars Friday Opens Breeders' Cup at Del Mar

The Breeders’ Cup returns to Del Mar as “Future Stars Friday” opens the championships, with more than $34 million in total purses and intensified wagering interest. The day features the $1 million, five-furlong Juvenile Turf Sprint, slated as a wide-open 12-horse affair where European speed has closed the gap in recent years. Aidan O’Brien’s True Love is the European morning-line favorite at 7-2, while Wesley Ward’s Schwarzenegger represents the American speed brigade; Lennilu, trained by Patrick and Andie Biancone, is also a noted contender. In the Juvenile and Juvenile Fillies Turf, Ted Noffey is listed as the Juvenile favorite, with Precise, Ultimate Love and Final Accord among the fillies’ turf betting considerations. Del Mar’s tight turns, quick surfaces and narrow turf stretches make early positioning and tactical decisions key factors in these championships.