The buzz horse on Wednesday at the Breeders’ Cup was Rip Van Winkle, but it was not positive buzz.

Or was it?

The talented three year old will vie for favoritism in the Breeders’ Cup Classic with Zenyatta, and word was spreading around the backstretch was his feet were bothering him.

The colt has had minor foot issues throughout most of the year, but after taking a trip around the track on Wednesday morning, trainer Aidan O’Brien said all is well.

"Everything is fine. He didn’t lose the movement,” O’Brien said. “His foot seems fine. His off-hind was giving him a little bit of trouble couple of weeks back, but it has been fine the last week."

That is good news for horseplayers looking to see a European shipper repeat in this year’s Classic.

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Raven’s Pass won last year’s Classic in his U.S. Debut.

Rip Van Winkle has won two of five starts this year including the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot on Sept. 26 in his last outing.

In his three losses this year, he finished behind recently retired Sea of Stars, regarded as the top horse in the world this year.

The Classic is looking to be one of the best wagering races among the 14 Breeders’ Cup contests.

Grade 1 turf winners Einstein, Gio Ponti, and Twice Over bypassed the Turf to go for the big money in the Classic.

Up and coming runners like Pacific Classic (G1) winner Richard’s Kid and Jerome Handicap (G2) winner Girolamo add some spice, and don’t forget Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird and Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird are in the mix.

More on the Breeders’ Cup tomorrow, I still have Saturday’s card to finish, and we have a few bucks to make at the Big A today.

It’s a weird card at Aqueduct today. A look at my longshot list today would give you an idea it could be a chalky day.

However, only one or two of my top picks are likely to go off as the favorite, so could still see our fair share of generous payoffs.

To purchase my full card report for Aqueduct that includes analysis, selections, fair odds, and wagering recommendations for today, click here.

To purchase my Breeders’ Cup Package, click here.

Here is today's opening race from Aqueduct to get our day off to a good start:

AQU Race 1 Clm $10,000B (12:30 ET)
#6 Divorce Court 6/1
#4 Maggie's Miracle 4/1
#2 Royal Vessel / #2b Navedano 5/2
#5 Eastern Prime 3/1

Analysis: #6 Divorce Court tracked the early pace and tired to finish seventh last out against $12.5K non-winners of three in her first go off a five-month layoff with a low profile jock up. She gets a jock switch to Chavez and this mare has actually done her best running coming from off the pace. She may be more settled second off the bench and figures to be a decent price in this spot.

#4 Maggie's Miracle made a good late rally to get up and beat $10K non-winners of two last out in a sharp effort in the mud. It was the first time the Galluscio barn used the seven pound bug. The filly has enough tactical speed if the early pace is moderate. She proved herself on a wet track and there is a chance we might see some rain again today.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 3/1 or better.
EX: 4,6 / 2,4,5,6
TRI: 4,6 / 2,4,5,6 / 2,4,5,6,7

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 8 Alw $44,000N1X (3:44 ET)
#4 Puregoodniss 6/1
#7 Fiddlers Patriot 5/2
#1 Star of New York / #1a Vinnie Van Go 3/1
#2 Summer Share 5/1

Analysis: #4 Puregoodniss came up the inside with a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot in the slop. The third place finisher in the race was Captain Sword, who came back to beat state bred $15K non winners of two in his next outing on Oct. 30. This gelding attracts the rain, 8 of his 10 career starts coming on off going and he may catch it again here today. The gelding broke his maiden over the main track here in the mud back in April. Ramon picks up the call and the 6/1 ML looks more than fair.

#7 Fiddlers Patriot was no match for #1 Star of New York in his debut, but came back with a smart looking maiden score in his second career outing, which came in the slop. He is a half to a quick sprinter in Speed Bag ($252K).

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 7/2 or better.
EX: 4,7 / 1,2,4,7
TRI: 4,7 / 1,2,4,7 / 1,2,4,7,8

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Aqueduct
R4: #6 Brother of Gold 10/1
R7: #9 Chapin Beach 8/1

Good luck today!