Who: Thoroughbreds – Brigantin, Union Rags, Goldikova, Flat Out, Drosselmeyer, So You Think, Stay Thirsty, Havre de Grace, Uncle Mo, To Honor and Serve
What: Horse Racing Betting Tips – The Breeders’ Cup
Where: Churchill Downs
When: Friday and Saturday, November 4th and 5th
The Breeders’ Cup is not only a spectacle for horse racing fans, it’s also a golden opportunity for serious bettors to make a score. As I’ve pointed out many times, these huge wagering pools are filled with ‘square money’. Thus, the payoffs, especially for exotic wagers, are often incredibly high. I’ll be putting together some $1.00 Pick 4’s and $2.00 Pick 6’s for both days, which you’ll see below. Because of space constraints, I won’t be able to offer much in the way of handicapping insights. However, you may want to check out my article from last Friday, as my opinions haven’t changed significantly.
Saturday:
Pick 4 (Races 4-7):
Race 4 (BC Juvenile Turf): #7-Caspar Netscher; #13-Finale. Finale held his own working in company with talented older stablemate Sidney’s Candy.
Race 5 (BC Sprint): #1-Euroears; #7-Amazombie; #8-Big Drama.
Race 6 (BC Turf Sprint): #8-Regally Ready; #13-Caracortado (Scarface in English); #14-Chamberlain Bridge.
Race 7 (BC Dirt Mile): #1-The Factor; #5-Wilburn; #9-Trappe Shot.
$1.00 Pick 4 Ticket: 7,13/1,7,8/8,13,14/1,5,9…$54.00.
Pick 4 (Races 8-11):
Race 8 (BC Turf): #1-St Nicholas Abbey; #2-Sarafina; #6-Await the Dawn; #7-Sea Moon; #9-Midday.
Race 9 (BC Juvenile): #10-Union Rags
Race 10 (BC Mile): #1-Goldikova
Race 11 (BC Classic): #2-Flat Out; #5-So You Think; #12-Uncle Mo; #13-To Honor and Serve. I left out the filly Havre de Grace, because she’s winless in two starts at 1 ? miles, and ran a so-so third last year in The BC Ladies’ Classic at Churchill Downs.
$1.00 Pick 4 Ticket: 1,2,6,7,9/10/1/2,5,12,13…$20.00.
Pick 6 (Races 6-11):
Same selections as outlined above in the Pick 4’s. If the cost of the Pick 6 ticket puts a strain on your wallet, find a partner or two and share the cost.
$2.00 Pick 6 Ticket: 8,13,14/1,5,9/1,2,6,7,9/10/1/2,5,12,13…$360.00.
Race 3 (BC Marathon) is not included in the Pick 4’s or the Pick 6. I’m not crazy about any of the U.S.-based horses, so I may take a stab with Team
Valor/Andre Fabre long-distance specialist #6-Brigantin to win at odds of 6-1 or better.
I’m also betting on #10-Union Rags to win the BC Juvenile at odds of 9-5 or better, and on #1-Goldikova to win the BC Mile (for a mind-boggling fourth straight time) at odds of 6-5 or better.
As for The BC Classic, even though he’s facing significant obstacles (no wins beyond 1 1/16th miles; lack of two-turn foundation; questionable pedigree) I’m betting on #12-Uncle Mo to win at odds of 2-1 or better. He’s simply the fastest horse, in super-sharp form, with an affinity for Churchill Downs…plus, it would be a great story if he wins, having overcome a debilitating illness earlier this year. Go Uncle Mo!
If you’re structuring BC Classic exactas, tri’s and super’s, Flat Out is a “must use” in all slots. He’s the horse most likely to hit the board. Uncle Mo could win or run out, so you’ll have to decide where he fits into the mix. So You Think is similar to Uncle Mo in that regard…he could win or run out, depending on how he handles dirt for the first time. To Honor and Serve might be this good…I’d use him in all slots. In the third and fourth slots I’d use Drosselmeyer, Ruler On Ice, Game On Dude, Stay Thirsty and Havre de Grace.
Those are my horse racing betting tips for Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup card. Best of luck and happy gambling!