LOS ANGELES — By Art Wilson

Folks, we’re only seven days away from the Breeders’ Cup, the Super Bowl of horse racing. And it’s in our own backyard. Santa Anita will host the two-day event for a record 11th time on Nov. 3-4, and rightfully so.

But what makes the Breeders’ Cup so special are the horses. This year 205 equine athletes were entered, 59 from overseas. The cream of the crop. Mostly full fields that are a bettors’ delight. There is no better value for horse players than the Breeders’ Cup.

Last year, most racing fans were eager to see what the magnificent Flightline would do in the $6 million Classic at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. He didn’t disappoint, easily disposing of Life Is Good, thought to be his main competition, en route to an 8¼-length victory while covering the mile and a quarter in 2:00.05.

Photo – Benoit Photo

There are no Flightlines this year, but that doesn’t mean the Breeders’ Cup is hurting for storylines. Future Stars Friday, highlighted by Bob Baffert’s trio of Juvenile runners, will perhaps unveil a superstar or two that will attract a following for the next couple of years.

Here are a few of the horses I’m most looking forward to watching on Nov. 3-4:

Read the full story from Art Wilson of the Los Angeles Daily News here