Posted on 10/26/2007 7:10:56 PM

Horse Betting: Breeders' Cup Classic Winning Selection

By Robby Maddux

Lawyer Ron captured oddsmakers respect by earning role as early favorite in Saturday's five million-dollar Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park.

Lawyer Ron, who ran second by a nose to Curlin in the Jockey Club Gold Cup in his last start, was priced at 5-2 in the nine-horse field for the Classic, the main event of the 23 million-dollar Breeders' Cup card.

Lawyer Ron, winner of the Whitney Handicap and Woodward Stakes in impressive fashion, will depart from the rail with John Velazquez aboard.

In 2007, the bay colt has had seven starts and hasn't failed to hit the board in those races.

Lawyer Ron’s worst career efforts have come in 1-1/4 miles races, the 2006 Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic, where he finished ninth to end his sophomore season.

The 4-year-old is owned by Est. Of James T. Hines Jr. & Stonewall Stallions Racing and trained by Todd Pletcher. He' sired by Langfuhr with Dam being Donation.

Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense and Preakness Stakes winner Curlin were both priced at 3-1 as co-favorites.

Street Sense will be ridden by Calvin Borel leaving from the No. 2 post and Curlin will have Robby Albarado in the irons breaking from the No. 4 post.

Any Given Saturday, the winner of his last three races including the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth in August, is the fourth choice at 4-1 with Garrett Gomez in the saddle.

Hard Spun, who was tagged 8-1, will begin from the No. 8 post with Mario Pino up.

Hard Spun bounced back from his second, third and fourth place finishes in the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes by winning the King's Bishop and beating Street Sense in the Kentucky Cup Classic.

Also entered is Tiago (12-1), Meadowlands Cup winner Diamond Stripes (15-1), European star George Washington (20-1) and Goodwood runner-up Awesome Gem (30-1).

Lawyer Ron will be hard to beat, but if your looking for a larger price try Tiago. Tiago, seventh in the Derby, has won the Swaps and the Goodwood in his last two starts. Tiago will start from the No. 9 post with Mike Smith riding.

Tiago, well known as the half brother to 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo, is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss and trained by John Shirreffs. He' sired by Pleasant Tap with Dam being Set Them Free, by Stop the Music.

The forecast for Saturday is calling for rain at Monmouth Park. Tiago is a strong closer and should be able to handle an off track to finish in the money.

Free Breeders' Cup Picks: Tiago - Show

Note: Friday's forecast is also calling for rain.

Learn How to Handicap & Bet on the Breeders' Cup

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