2022 Top Stakes to Bet On: 6 Great Graded Races Highlights the Weekend Action

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The final preps for the 2022 Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships happens this week. Top races include the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor at Woodbine, the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at the Big A, Grade 1 American Pharoah and Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes both at Santa Anita Park. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, October 8th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds, Picks, and Betting Analysis | October 3rd Edition

Woodbine | Saturday, Oct. 8

Grade 1 E.P. Taylor – 1 ¼ miles turf – 3 year olds & up

Chad Brown plans on running up to eight horses in the E.P. Taylor. The eight are Technical Analysis, Rougir, Rocky Sky, Virginia Joy, Flight Lady, Fluffy Socks, Kalifornia Queen, and Lemista. Brad Cox wants to run Adventuring while Cristophe Clement will go with Plum Ali. No doubt, the winner must go through the Brown horses before entering the winner’s circle.

Belmont at the Big A | Saturday, Oct. 8

Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic – 1 ½ miles turf – 3 year olds & up

The usual group of graded stakes level turf runners will step into the starting gate at Aqueduct on Saturday. Gufo, Rockemperor, and Adhamo will lead the charge. War Like Goddess will attract plenty of money.

Keeneland | Saturday, Oct. 8

Grade 1 Keeneland Turf Mile – 1 mile turf – 3 year olds & up

The Keeneland Turf Mile could attract up to 13 runners. Brad Cox trained Set Piece has fans. So does Somelikeithotbrown from the Mike Maker barn. Both of Chad Brown’s horses, Masen and Emaraaty, will get some play. Ivar, from the Paulo Lobo barn, may go off the chalk.

Grade 1 First Lady Stakes – 1 mile turf – fillies & mares

Brown is debating on running Technical Analysis in the First Lady Stakes. Chad might go with In Italian and Regal Glory. Two from Michael Stidham’s, Princess Grace and Alms, will run.

Santa Anita | Saturday, Oct. 8

Grade 1 American Pharoah – 1 1/16 miles turf – 2 year olds

In the past, Bob Baffert has owned this race. The 2022 American Pharoah Stakes should be no different. Havnameltdown, Carmel Road, Newgate, National Treasure, and Hejazi will all run. So will likely chalk Cave Rock.

If Baffert saddles Cave Rock, other trainers may look elsewhere. So although John Shirreffs plans on running Skinner, and Doug O’Neil wants to saddle Onata and Synctactic for this, those two trainers might skip the Pharoah for a different race.

The same thinking goes for Peter Miller’s Giver Not a Taker. Cave Rock is undefeated and dominated the Grade 1 Dekl Mar Futurity. Already, the son of Arrogate is the chalk to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes – 1/14 miles turf – fillies & mares

At least nine runners will line up for the Rodeo Drive Stakes on Saturday. Chad Brown may saddle Fluffy Socks in this event instead of running the graded placed filly in the E.P. Taylor Stakes.

Paul D’Amato plans on saddling four: Counterparty Risk, Burgoo Alley, Going Global, and Going to Vegas. Simon Callaghan’s Bellamore and Leonard Powell’s Neige Blanche will attract action.

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