Posted on
10/5/2007 4:14:17 PM
2007 Breeders Cup Betting Foreign Intrigue
By Brian Mulligan
Fillies and Mares Turf betting at The Breeders’ Cup has not been around all that long, but sharp bettors should be aware that the foreign influence has been felt every year and this season should be no different. It was carded at a mile and three-eighths the first couple of years, went to a mile and a quarter in 2001 and is back at the original distance this season.
Before we get in to some of the key players this year, what should horse bettors know about what it takes to win this race?
Gamblers should be aware that stamina is obviously key to this race and only two years ago was Intercontinental able to take them the entire distance on the lead. The other winners came from 3 back to dead last to get the top portion of the purse. Only one horse really smashed up a field as Banks Hill crushed by 5 and half in the third running, generally they are together at the wire.
To get a clue about this year’s result take a look into the past. Last year Ouija Board had to come from seventh to win going away as the chalk. The other foreigner in the race was wide and lost all chance.
The race has been usually short fielded and logical with 5 winners averaging a dime over 7-2 when it was all over. Ironically one of the best trainers in the world, Bobby Frankel, was responsible for both upsets as last year’s winner paid $32.20 and his other winner Starine chipped in a $28.40. Both took different routes to success. Starine prepped in a win at Keeneland in the WinStar Galaxy, while Intercontinental parlayed a 4th in the Grade 1 Flower Bowl.
Four favorites won the first 8 events including the fastest of the group in 2003 when Islington held on by a neck in 1:59.13.
This year, as the American based runners seem to take turns beating each other with the exception of Wait a While, the logical one to fear is Quija Board, who is going great guns right now. Value will be there with Germance, who was troubled in the Queen Elizabeth II Invitational Challenge Cup Stakes.
The American based runners got a boost this year when Peeping Fawn was shelved. This quality miss may have gone chalk in this race and now the fray is opened up.
Don’t be shocked if it’s about Frankel and only Frankel. He has three logical players in Argentina, Citronnade and Precious Kitten. All have differing styles and will complement each other if they roll.
The one to beat and the one that bettors should key on race day is Honey Ryder. She was forced 7 wide in last year’s renewal, but only was beaten a bit over 2 lengths. Trained by Todd Pletcher, who has plenty of rabbits to use to give this miss an extra chance, Honey is as honest as the day is long and bettors could do worse than key her in the gimmicks are hope for a rainbow.
More to come as the Big Day nears.
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