As the Breeders’ Cup races approach, fans will hear more and more about certain prep races referred to as the “Win And You’re In” challenge.
What are these races, and how do they help the Sport of Kings? Does the challenge contribute for the outcome of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup betting odds? Let’s take a look.
History Of The Challenge
The Win And You’re In challenge began in 2007 as a series of races throughout the United States and Canada, but eventually expanding to a total of nine other countries.
The winners of these designated races would be guaranteed an automatic berth into their respective Breeders’ Cup race. Beginning in 2011, the winners would also be given travel accommodations and have their entry fees paid, provided the horse in question is nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program.
If the horse is not initially nominated to the series, the nomination fee must be paid in order to access the entry.
This challenge has been immensely successful. It has served to promote international participation in the Breeders’ Cup series, particularly among South American contenders. The races in the series receive additional attention from the media, which drums up excitement among fans; expected matchups among the top horses in each region spark discussions, engagement with racing, and (perhaps most importantly) bets.
Additionally, the financial aid provided by the challenge means that horses who come from small time stables are more likely to be able to compete in the Breeders’ Cup races. This ensures that the top horses are able to compete regardless of the socioeconomic status of their human connections.
Regions And Races That Qualify
The Breeders’ Cup Win And You’re In races take place worldwide. Many of the world’s top racetracks host at least one race that could send the winner automatically to the Breeders’ Cup with all expenses paid.. Participating foreign countries include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Japan, Peru, and South Africa.
International Win and You’re In races for the Classic division include:
- February Stakes (Japan), won by Cafe Pharoah
- International Stakes (United Kingdom), won by Baaeed
Qualifying races in the United States are split into regions. For most racing divisions, there will be three domestic races that take part in the challenge: one each that take place in the East, Midwest, and West of the country. The Juvenile Turf and Juvenile Fillies Turf will have two qualifying races apiece, while the Classic division will have six.
Domestic Win and You’re In races for the Classic division include:
- Stephen Foster Stakes, won by Olympiad
- Haskell Stakes, won by Cyberknife
- Whitney Stakes, won by Life Is Good
- Pacific Classic Stakes, won by Flightline
- Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes, won by Olympiad
- Awesome Again Stakes, to be run on October 1
Notable Winners
In the years since the challenge was inaugurated, many horses who won the designated prep races have gone on to Breeders’ Cup glory.
In 2021, for instance, five of the winners of Breeders’ Cup races had won a Win And You’re In race. Corniche won the Grade I American Pharoah Stakes en route to his Breeders’ Cup Juvenile win, with compatriot Echo Zulu adding the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies to her Grade I Frizette Stakes win. Ce Ce took the Grade I Ballerina Handicap in addition to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.
Yibir used the Jockey Club Derby to prep for the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and Knicks Go vaulted from the Grade I Whitney Stakes winner’s circle to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.