Four unbeatens are favorites in Breeders' Cup

NEW YORK -- Lost in the Fog won't be the only undefeated favorite in the Breeders' Cup -- three others will likely join the sensational 3-year-old colt with top billing on thoroughbred racing's biggest day.

First Samurai, Lost in the Fog and Shakespeare come into their Breeders' Cup races Saturday at Belmont Park with perfect records, while Leroidesanimaux has won all three of his starts this year. Combined, the foursome is 22-for-22 in 2005.

Add four returning champions in Ashado, Better Talk Now, Ouija Board and Singletary, plus a wide-open field for the Classic headed by Saint Liam, and the 22nd edition of the Breeders' Cup just may overcome the absence of many of racing's stars.

"I'm not sure we've ever had a stronger group of horses from top to bottom," Breeders' Cup president D.G. Van Clief Jr. said after Wednesday's post-position draw.

The Classic may have the largest purse at $4,680,000, but it's missing Afleet Alex, Giacomo, Ghostzapper and Roses in May, who are either injured or retired. Woodward winner Saint Liam is the 3-1 morning-line favorite, with Goodwood Handicap winner Rock Hard Ten at 7-2 and Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Borrego 9-2 in a full field of 14.

Going into the eight-race, $15 million card, though, it's the undefeateds who stand front and center.

Lost in the Fog is the even-money choice for the $1 million Sprint, where he will attempt to run his winning streak to 11.

First Samuari, 4-for-4 and coming off an impressive win in the Champagne at Belmont on Oct. 8, is the 8-5 choice for the Juvenile; Shakespeare, 5-for-5 after a win in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont on Oct. 1, is the 3-1 pick for the Turf; and Leroidesanimaux is 7-5 to take the Mile.

The other favorites are Folklore (5-2) in the Juvenile Fillies, Ouija Board (5-2) in the Filly & Mare Turf, and Ashado (2-1) in the Distaff.

Better Talk Now is 8-1 to repeat in the Turf, Singletary is 8-1 to win the Mile again, and Ouija Board is the 5-2 favorite for win a second straight Filly & Mare Turf.

A total of 101 horses were entered.

Todd Pletcher leads all trainers with eight horses entered, including Ashado, who defends her Distaff title against 12 rivals in the final race of her career. Ashado has won three of six races this year, including the Beldame at Belmont on Oct. 1.

Pletcher's other entries are Adieu (3-1) in the Juvenile Fillies, Lion Tamer (12-1) in the Sprint, Host (12-1) and Limehouse (20-1) in the Mile, Capeside Lady (30-1) in the Distaff, English Channel (10-1) in the Turf and Flower Alley (10-1) in the Classic.

Jerry Bailey, who leads all jockeys with 14 Breeders' Cup wins, will be aboard four likely favorites -- First Samurai, Ouija Board, Shakespeare and Saint Liam.