Bing Crosby Stakes: Top Contenders

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The Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar on July 27 holds significant implications for the Breeders’ Cup. As part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, the winner secures a guaranteed spot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) on November 2. 

This race is even more critical since the Breeders’ Cup Sprint will be contested on the same Del Mar surface, giving the winner a potential home-field advantage. This is a pivotal event on the horse racing schedule, setting the stage for future races and influencing Breeders’ Cup betting strategies. 

Key Contenders 

The field for the Bing Crosby Stakes features several notable contenders, each with a unique story and form. Analyzing the horse racing odds, it’s clear that the competition will be fierce.

Anarchist

Anarchist returns to the West Coast after a challenging start to his 2024 campaign in the ungraded Kelly’s Landing Stakes at Churchill Downs. 

Additionally, has a strong record at Del Mar, including a win in the Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2) last year. His close second to The Chosen Vron in the 2023 Bing Crosby suggests potential for significant improvement.

See Through It comes off several starter allowance wins at Los Alamitos Race Course. However, his form doesn’t inspire confidence for a Grade 1 stakes race, making him a long shot in the betting markets.

Straight No Chaser

A notable winner of the Maryland Sprint Stakes (G3) last year but struggled as an odds-on favorite in the May 11 Runhappy Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct. He has the potential to improve off his 2024 debut but will need a career-best effort to be competitive.

Giant Game

Giant Game has primarily raced at a mile or more and is making his six-furlong sprint debut. Given his racing history, it’s challenging to envision him winning this Grade 1 sprint stakes.

Closethegame Sugar

Closethegame Sugar is partly owned by New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz and comes off a pair of sprint stakes wins at Churchill Downs, including the Kelly’s Landing and the Aristides Stakes. His sharp closing kick makes him a strong contender for offtrack betting enthusiasts.

Happy Jack

Happy Jack impressed with his seven-furlong Triple Bend Stakes (G2) win, setting the pace and pulling away in the final furlong. After finishing second to The Chosen Vron in the Kona Gold Stakes, he should be a significant factor in this race.

The Big Favorite 

The Chosen Vron, the 6-5 horse racing odds favorite, won last year’s Bing Crosby and seeks his sixth consecutive win. With two months of rest and recent solid work, he is the one to beat in this field.

Jackstown, at 15-1, makes his stakes debut after 23 months on the sidelines due to injury. Despite his limited racing history, he’s trained by Bob Baffert and showed a strong speed figure in his comeback win last month.

The Chosen Vron’s dominance and consistent performance make him a reliable pick. However, the competitive nature of this field suggests that considering the other contenders could be valuable.