Breeders' Cup Future Bet Analysis (Cont.)

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15--Pleasantly Perfect (50-1) -- Felt he had a big chance last year before being sidelined with an injury after his brilliant Goodwood (gr. II) victory. Back on the shelf after two so-so efforts at Santa Anita last winter, he's due back for another crack at the Goodwood. But it's going to be quite an undertaking by Dick Mandella to have him ready to compete with the big guns in the Classic off only one start.

16--Puzzlement (50-1) -- Allen Jerkens is like a fish out of water in Southern California, and it would take some monster efforts in the Woodward and Jockey Club Gold Cup for him to put this improving colt on a plane to Los Angeles. Jerkens thought he had a good shot to win the Belmont last year before the son of Pine Bluff got hurt. He looks like he's finally getting his act together, turning in three straight top performances, including a powerful stretch-running score in the 1 1/4-mile Saratoga Breeders' Cup (gr. II).

17--Sky Mesa (30-1) -- Has a lot of bouncing back to do after wrenching his ankle in the Travers (gr. I), finishing last. It'll only take one race, and if he does rebound big-time, John Ward would start thinking Breeders' Cup. He looked ready to make the big leap in the Travers. Now he'll have to do it again, likely against older horses.

18--Soto (20-1) -- His West Virginia Derby (gr. III) victory was another Michael Dickinson masterpiece. Amazing how he came again off only one six-furlong victory at Philly Park in more than eight months to defeat a quality horse like Dynever in 1:46 1/5 for 1 1/8 miles. He has won on the lead and won coming from the clouds and could be any kind. Undefeated in five starts, he'll get a good test in the Super Derby (gr. II). Then we'll have an idea of what we're dealing with.

19--Ten Most Wanted (15-1) -- A true 1 1/4-mile horse who could yet take over the top spot in the 3-year-old division. The Travers set up perfectly for him and he took advantage of the torrid speed duel up front to win going away with blinkers on for the first time. One of the grandest-looking horses you'll ever see, he will only keep getting better. He's also heading for the Super Derby, setting up an intriguing match-up with Soto.

20--Tenpins (50-1) -- He's compiled a great record in grade II and III company, winning nine of his 13 career starts, including recent victories in the Philip H. Iselin (gr. III) and Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicaps (gr. III). A wonderful horse to have in the barn, but he is still unproven against top horses.

21--Toccet (30-1) -- Great to have this colt, who was a classy 2-year-old last year, back after a long layoff. He should have his hands full in the Pennsylvania Derby, going up against a very good horse in Dynever. He's coming back in only 13 days after his return victory in a small restricted stake at Philly Park, so he still may be a bit rusty. But this is an enormously talented horse who did some remarkable things at two. And even if he runs a big second to Dynever, that should catapult him up to the next level.

22--Volponi (30-1) -- He's been running his heart out all year with only second-place finishes to show for it. P.G. Johnson is looking to return to the Classic under the radar again, and could run him back on the grass in the Belmont Breeders' Cup (gr. IIT). That also would give Johnson the option of going for the Mile, as he contemplated last year. This horse seems to like doing different things -- grass to dirt, short to long, blinkers on and off -- and he may just be getting stale running in one distance dirt race after another. That 30-1 doesn't sound too shabby for a Classic winner.

23--Wando (50-1) -- Not sure which direction they're going with him, as he heads to the Atto Mile (Can-IT) on the grass. His Canadian Triple Crown sweep was very impressive, as was his breathtaking move winning last year's Grey Breeders' Cup (Can-I). Of course, he still has to prove himself south of the border, but he sure looks like a legitimate contender for whatever race they're pointing him. Throw out his lone excursion here for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), as he had no shot breaking from post 12. Having seen what he can do on dirt, he would be a welcome addition to the Classic. But his connections might go the other way if he runs big in the Atto Mile.

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