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Racing betting tips: Breeders' Cup

1pt win Fierceness in 9.41 Del Mar at 3/1 (General)

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9.41 Del Mar – Fierceness (Mark Milligan)

All eyes will be on City Of Troy in the Breeders’ Cup Classic as he attempts to give Aidan O’Brien his first win in the big race and he won’t be short of supporters as he bids to write his own piece of history.

It’s easy to see why Coolmore have been tempted into having a go: he’s by Triple Crown winner Justify and has plenty of tactical speed to get a good early position.

However, it’s hard to overestimate exactly how difficult it is trying to take down top-class dirt horses in their own backyard having never run competitively on the surface before and it could be curtains for City Of Troy if he breaks a step slow from stall three.

Todd Pletcher’s FIERCENESS is a much more solid alternative.

He’s just about the best dirt horse in America on his day despite being prone to the odd duff race, but his master trainer will have him primed and ready for this.

I also like the fact he’s drawn to the outside of most of the other speed horses, which will give jockey John Velazquez some options early on.

Advised earlier today...

1pt win Pats Dream in 1.23 Ayr at 5/1 (bet365) - WON

1pt win Williethebuilder in 3.32 Wetherby at 9/4 (William Hill) - WON

Published at 1615 GMT on 01/11/24

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