2010 BREEDERS CUP CLASSIC LATEST ANTEPOST ODDS PART TWO
Twice Over (Observatory) has progressed nicely this year after a shaky season opener in the Dubai World Cup. He finished second in the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes and then went on to score in the Group 1 Coral Eclipse. He finished third in the classic last year and I reckon he might be a popular forecast selection below Zenyatta.
Battle Plan (Empire Maker) ran second to Blame in the Stephen Foster back in June, but has scored at Grade 2 level when taking the New Orleans handicap for trainer Todd Pletcher. I don't consider the 15.5 to be great value so I would wait for this one to drift up.
Rail Trip (Jump Start) is a talented Ronald Ellis-trained gelding that looks a there-or-thereabouts type. This West Coast specialist may be able to take advantage of some horses and jockeys that may be unfamiliar with his exploits. He's priced around 17.5.
Gio Ponti (Tale of the Cat) was last year's Breeders Cup Classic runner-up and this talented horse has been putting in some good shifts this year, despite taking three tries before a 2010 victory in the Grade 1 Man O'War stakes at Belmont. He's well-priced at 17.5 and will likely go out of the gate at a much shorter price tag.
Two interesting up-and-comers include Winslow Homer (Unbridled's Song) and Trappe Shot (Tapit). Both contenders are currently listed at 21.0 and they have both won and placed at Graded level. These two both missed the Derby trail, Homer due to injury and Trappe due to him just not being ready to roll yet. I think both of these two are solid outsiders, but I like Trappe Shot more and wouldn't be surprised to see him well-backed for a show.
Other notables include: Ice Box (Pulpit) at 34.0, Super Saver (Maria's Mon) at 24.0. Midday (Oasis Dream) is worth a shot at 25.0 as he will likely be going first-time Lasix in the Classic if he doesn't prep on American soil. A Little Warm (Stormin Fever) has some solid results under his belt but will need a big step up here to score at a 36.0 listing. First Dude (Stephen Got Even) is a there-or-thereabouts type who has shown plenty of acumen but not enough to get that dramatic victory. Don't see him scoring here, but 42.0 sounds like a hot price. Devil May Care (Malibu Moon) was a disappointment in the Kentucky Derby this year and may still be pointed at the Ladies Classic. She's at 26.0, currently.
Prince of Wales Stakes winner Byword (Peintre Celebre) is pointed towards the Classic and I think this is your potential spoiler from overseas. The Abdulla-owned colt has put in some great runs this year and will be looking to add a massive Classic upset to his already impressive record.
Musket Man (Yonaguska) is one of my personal favourites and he's always worth a show bet. He just doesn't seem to be able to dig deep enough to grind out the victories, but he could certainly be a factor with a 26.0 listing. Cape Blanco (Galileo) will have a go here too but he's been unable to pull off a big score racing against contenders at the highest level this season. You can back him at 26.0.
Sidney's Candy (Candy Ride) is an interesting option, but it just doesn't look he's ready for this one. I think he may be a West Coast specialist and has struggled on the dirt- you'll find him at 26.0. Jan Vermeer (Montjeu) has been running at the top level but just hasn't been able to pull off a score- you can back him at 42.0. Mine That Bird (Birdstone) is also still up in the mix, but the one-in-a-million gelding looks outmatched here- you can take a shot at a 27.0 price.
CURRENT BREEDERS CUP SUPERFECTA
1. Zenyatta
2. Twice Over
3. Lookin at Lucky
4. Trappe Shot