Johnny Love's Breeders' Cup picks (Day 1)

Johnny Love's Breeders' cup picks

Race 6 BC Marathon

INDIAN JONES faces his toughest test to date but pedigree suggests the longer the better and should have all the speed in the world up front to attack on. EVER RIDER is one of the few entries who has traveled this Marathon distance shipping up from Argentina. BLUESKIESNRAINBOWS could take charge up front but doesn't need it and could prove tough if jockey Pedroza can ration some of that early speed sitting off the pace.

Race 7 BC Juvenile Turf

European runners have won the past three Juvenile Turf editions at Santa Anita and must be respected today with four strong invaders. GIOVANNI BOLDINI looks to be the most talented of the four imports with two victories in three efforts. OUTSTRIP is 2-for-4 in graded stake races across the pond and now gets Mike Smith, who is winning at a 37 percent clip at Santa Anita this season. BOBBY'S KITTEN is the best 2-year-old turf runner in America and is the deserving favorite. AOTEARORA won his lone turf start at today's distance on this course.

Race 8 BC DIRT MILE

FED BIZ is my top selection after flying from the clouds in a stakes race last effort to get up for the victory. BRUJO De OLLEROS might need an extra look at a nice price. VERRAZANO is 6-for-8 in his career and probably the most talented runner in the field.

AL THAKHIRA is 2-for-2 in her brief turf career overseas and word is that she did it easily looking extremely strong with tons left in the tank; VORDA and CHRISELLIAM are two other major players from across the pond who are expected to be in the hunt down the stretch. America's best answer to the European invasion are CLENOR,TESTA ROSSI and MY CONQUESTADORY.

Race 10 BC DISTAFF

ROYAL DELTA is strictly the one to beat, going for her third consecutive Distaff victory while trainer Bill Mott seeks his fourth trophy in a row. BEHOLDER is undefeated in route races at Santa Anita in four efforts after winning the Grade 1 Zenyatta last out in gate-to-wire fashion. PRINCESS OF SYLMAR shocked most with her two-length margin victory last out over Royal Delta.

Best Bet Race 9 Al Thakhira

50 cent Pick 4 Race 7 (2,4,5,7,9,/1,2,3,4,5,7,9,10,11/2,6,8,12/5) $90