Await The Dawn Listed as Breeders' Cup Favourite

The thoroughbred racing season is reaching one of it's highest points in North America at the moment with top race meets unfolding on both coasts. Saratoga is seeing increased handle and media coverage while Del Mar in California continues to innovate and enjoy larger than usual fields. As the big Grade 1 races unfold week to week, the picture is becoming clearer as to who will really be contesting horse of the year honours.

The ante post wagering for the 2011 Breeders' Cup Classic is now in full swing and the odds are starting to fluctuate heavily as the major preps begin pointing us closer and closer to the big face off on November 4.

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At the moment, the exchanges have Await the Dawn trading at around 6.0 for an ante post victory – a price that will drop like a stone if he delivers the goods in the Juddmonte International. You always have to wonder about a dirt debut – especially for such a lightly-raced four-year-old. Can he handle the pushing and shoving he can expect from the saltier contenders in the American handicap division? Will the kick-back on a sloppy and sealed November dirt track at Churchill prove an impediment.

Tizway has emerged as the leading hope for the American contingent set to defend their Classic trophy. The European shippers will be looking for another outstanding contender like Raven's Pass to pop up and nip the trophy – like they did when invaders ran 1-2-3 at Santa Anita in 2008.

Romping home after a Cigar-like stalking trip and looking like he had at least an extra panel in him, Tizway (at the ripe old age of six) looks to be shedding his reputation as a miler and his connections feel confident in his ability to tackle a classic distance. The manner of his victory added credibility to his claims – absolutely demolishing several of the top 10 runners in the handicap division.

Ante post punters have pounded Tizway down from 26.0 to a slim 8.0 – installing him as the clear second favourite. So You Think looks in the mix but his connections are lukewarm about the move and have him co-entered in Australia during November. Bob Baffert's three year old Coil emerged as one of those late-summer colts that skip the triple crown season. He is getting respect from the punters alongside Twirling Candy and Shackleford.