Breeders’ Cup Post Draw 2026: Winners, Losers and How the Odds Have Moved
The fields are set, and the anticipation continues to increase, as the start of the 2026 Breeders’ Cup is just days away. We now know the fields that will be in action for all 14 Grade Ones across the weekend, as the post position draw for the Breeders’ Cup was completed on Monday.
The big news out of Keeneland was Bill Mott’s decision to run Knightsbridge and Sovereignty in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, giving us a feature for the ages. But, it wasn’t all good news for connections, as determined post positions could be a negative for some leading contenders.
But, who are some of the winners and losers from the Breeders’ Cup Post Draw, and how has it impacted the latest odds for some of our Breeders’ Cup 2026 picks?
Breeders’ Cup Post Draw Winner: Englishman
A wide draw doesn’t necessarily impact Englishman’s chances in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, but it could have been a lot worse. The main reason for that is due to market rival T O Elvis also drawing wide in stall eleven.
Englishman doesn’t need to make the running, and breaking from stall 13, he could track the Japanese raider into the race without using up too much energy in the opening stages.
Connections would have likely preferred a low draw, but with Dark Saffron and Hymn drawn low, it would have likely led to a bit of a fight for position on the rail. Drawing wide means that Englishman is out of that potentially messier passage through the race, and he remains a best bet of the Breeders’ Cup for me at -125 with BetUS.
Breeders’ Cup Post Draw Loser – Sun Goddess
One of the biggest losers from the Breeders’ Cup Post Draw was a horse largely regarded as the best chance of a winner on Future Stars Friday – Sun Goddess. The Aidan O’Brien filly has drawn wide in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, which could be damaging to her chances of getting into the race.
She will need a lot of luck to get the win, but there is no denying that she is still the most likely winner if she brings her A-Game to Keeneland. But, at -125, she could now be too short of a betting proposition for many, with a dream trip likely being required. Therefore, it could be worthwhile to see one of the Breeders’ Cup Sleeper picks that we like in the race.
Breeders’ Cup Post Draw Winner – Bacio
If Wesley Ward could have picked a perfect draw for Bacio in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, then it would have likely been the post that he was drawn. The heavy favorite for the race over 5 ½ furlongs will come out of slot three on Saturday, giving him the rail to help him.
Meanwhile, market rivals such as Comanche Brave, Cy Fair, and In Our Time will all start wide, meaning that they will need to be patient and weave a tactical way through the race without giving Bacio too much of an advantage at the start.
Breeders’ Cup Post Draw Loser – Diamond Necklace
Monday evening was a humbling night for those who liked Diamond Necklace in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, me included. After being drawn extremely wide in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe before finishing a career-best third, she has now been handed another wide draw to contend with in stall 12.
Not only that, but Ryan Moore has once again jumped ship, partnering instead with Benvenuto Cellini. The filly now has questions to answer, but Christophe Soumillon also rode the three-year-old in the Arc and navigated a wide draw excellently, meaning that all hope may not be lost. However, market support has faded, with Diamond Necklace drifting to a general +250 chance.
How to Bet on the 2026 Breeders’ Cup
You can bet on the Breeders’ Cup using the sportsbooks below. Head to the racebook section of the site rather than the sportsbook, where you’ll find the latest Breeders’ Cup odds, including Englishman at -125 and Bacio at +138.
If you’re looking for more Breeders’ Cup content, you can watch this week’s episode of the Not Another Racing Podcast, featuring our on-site horse racing expert.
