As a home improvement expert and tech enthusiast, I look forward to the Breeders‘ Cup each year not only for the stellar horse racing, but also for the innovations in broadcasting and wagering technology that come with it. The Breeders‘ Cup often provides a showcase for the latest streaming capabilities, immersive viewing experiences, and betting interfaces that fans can appreciate.
Below I‘ll share my insights on how to best enjoy the world-class Breeders’ Cup competition this year as a discerning tech user and horse racing buff.
A Marquee Event for Racing and Technology
The Breeders‘ Cup World Championships has come a long way technologically since the first running in 1984, with major advancements in video and data distribution enhancing the event over the decades.
Consider that the first Breeders’ Cup at Hollywood Park was broadcast via same-day tape delay with a total handle of $7 million dollars. By 2021 at Del Mar, the event boasted a live international multi-platform streaming presence and record handle topping $200 million [1].
Behind the scenes, the event relies on cutting-edge tracking technology like Trakus to provide detailed real-time data and analytics on the competition. Trainers leverage this data along with innovative tools like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, advanced treadmills, and virtual reality to give their charges every advantage.
For tech-focused fans, the Breeders‘ Cup is the ideal confluence of thoroughbred excellence amplified by the latest instruments of broadcasting and wagering at fans‘ fingertips.
When and How to Watch
The 38th running of the Breeders‘ Cup from Keeneland Racecourse is scheduled for November 4th and 5th, 2022.
Fans can tune into the action on TV via the following channels:
- NBC
- NBC Sports Network
- USA Network
- CNBC
And for those who prefer streaming, the following services will be offering live and on-demand coverage:
I always recommend streaming through connected devices for the optimal viewing experience. Platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, and smart TV operating systems provide access to all the major streaming channels and apps in one spot for seamless watching.
Here is the schedule of post times for the major Breeders‘ Cup races:
Friday, November 4
| Race | Post Time (ET) | TV Network |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile Turf Sprint | 4:00 PM | USA |
| Juvenile Fillies | 4:40 PM | USA |
| Juvenile Fillies Turf | 5:20 PM | USA |
| Juvenile | 6:00 PM | USA |
| Juvenile Turf | 6:40 PM | USA |
| Filly & Mare Sprint | 8:00 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Dirt Mile | 8:40 PM | NBC / Peacock |
Saturday, November 5
| Race | Post Time (ET) | TV Network |
|---|---|---|
| Filly & Mare Turf | 2:50 PM | USA |
| Turf Sprint | 3:29 PM | USA |
| Dirt Mile | 4:10 PM | USA / CNBC |
| Mile | 4:50 PM | USA / CNBC |
| Distaff | 5:30 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Turf | 6:10 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Sprint | 6:55 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Filly & Mare Sprint | 7:40 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Classic | 8:40 PM | NBC / Peacock |
With coverage across NBC, NBCSN, USA Network, and CNBC over the two days, fans have ample opportunity to watch each World Championships race. I recommend having streaming access to all the above channels via a service like Hulu + Live TV to be able to seamlessly view the multi-network coverage.
Key Races and Horses to Watch
While I enjoy watching every race across the two days, these are the highlight events in my book:
The $6 Million Breeders‘ Cup Classic
The 1 1/4 mile Classic on Saturday closing day is the main event, consistently drawing legends like Cigar, Zenyatta, and Gun Runner. Bob Baffert‘s Flightline is expected to be the overwhelming favorite after dominant wins in 2022 against limited competition. If he runs to his nearly limitless potential, he could enter all-time great status with a win here.
His stiffest competition should come from Steve Asmussen‘s consistent Epicenter, who has chased Flightline home before. Life Is Good also intrigues if he opts for the Classic over the Dirt Mile. Longshots to watch include Olympiad and Taiba.
The $2 Million Longines Breeders‘ Cup Distaff
Top 3-year-old fillies Malathaat and Nest renew their rivalry going 1 1/8 miles on Saturday. These two have traded narrow wins and losses in prestigious races like the Kentucky Oaks, Alabama, and Beldame Stakes this year and should provide a thrill. Search Results is another to watch off some sharp works for this race.
The $2 Million FanDuel Breeders‘ Cup Mile
This Saturday turf mile comes down to an exciting European vs. Americans matchup. Godolphin‘s Modern Games won the Prix de la Foret in France last out and looks formidable. However, American Hit The Road is on a roll having won five straight, including the Del Mar Mile in track record time. Those two should duel in a fantastic finish.
Beyond the highlighted matchups above, international stars like the unbeaten English 2-year-old The Antarctic and last year‘s Classic runaway winner Knicks Go make this a Breeders‘ Cup not to be missed. I‘ll have all the NBC family of networks and streaming apps at the ready to catch these spectacular showdowns.
How to Bet and Win
One of the best parts about the Breeders‘ Cup as a racing fan is the opportunity to win big on wagers across the 14 races packed into two days. Here are my best tips for betting and cashing tickets:
-
Use online racebook apps like TVG, TwinSpires, BetAmerica, and NYRA Bets to place wagers conveniently from home. Fund accounts early to make deposits and withdrawals seamless.
-
The two-day format with so many competitive races offers great value for horizontal exotic bets like Pick 3‘s, 4‘s, and 5‘s. Handicap to find logical longshot combinations that can pay off huge.
-
Place win bets on runners you like in each race then box them in the multi-race exotics for greater coverage. Applying this strategy across both days of the Breeders‘ Cup can really augment winnings.
-
Don‘t ignore the undercard races outside the championships. These can provide tremendous betting value and less public attention on contenders.
-
Follow expert picks from top analysts for advice but always do your own homework by watching replays and researching past performances.
By combining shrewd handicapping with the exciting betting menu unique to the Breeders‘ Cup, fans can experience some of the biggest payout days in racing.
Must-Have Tech for an Optimal Viewing Setup
As someone who takes pride in my home theater and streaming capabilities, here is my recommended tech checklist for the ultimate Breeders‘ Cup viewing experience:
-
An OLED 4K TV 65" or larger – The brilliant colors, perfect blacks, and thin form factor of OLED make horse racing pop off the screen compared to LED/LCD models. LG, Sony, and Vizio make excellent options.
-
Surround sound system – A good 5.1 or 7.2 home theater system totally immerses you in the racing action. I use and recommend Sonos Arc and rear speakers.
-
Multi-camera live stream – The best camera angles make horse racing more engaging on TV. The Breeders‘ Cup Live Stream online gives you control of camera angles.
-
Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV streaming device – They provide quick access to all the best streaming apps in 4K. Apple TV‘s integration and Roku‘s software make them tops.
-
Phone or tablet as a second screen – Use these mobile devices for checking real-time odds and stats or viewing an additional race feed.
-
Fast, reliable internet – Minimum speeds of 25 Mbps are recommended for 4K streaming reliability. I use Verizon Fios Gigabit.
-
Snacks and refreshments – No viewing setup is complete without food and drinks at the ready so you never have to miss the action!
While on-track attendance has its own appeal, today‘s technology allows fans to simulate much of that experience right from home. With the gear above, you‘ll be fully immersed in every thrilling moment of the 2022 Breeders‘ Cup spectacle.
Final Thoughts
As a passionate tech user and racing aficionado, I couldn‘t be more excited for this year‘s Breeders‘ Cup World Championships. The two-day event represents the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing paired with an array of modern viewing and wagering options for fans.
If you follow this guide, you‘ll know exactly how and when to watch, who to keep your eye on, and how to place the savvy bets that make the Breeders‘ Cup such a rewarding fan experience. Just don‘t forget the OLED TV and surround sound to feel like you‘re tracking Flightline down the stretch in person!
I wish everyone the best of luck and invite you to share your reactions and winning bets. Now let‘s embrace two amazing days of Breeders‘ Cup brilliance!
