The Sports Bizzo

By Toph…

Finally, I get to talk about one of my favorite things, horse racing.

It’s crazy that it’s already been a year since we traveled to Monmouth Park to see the 2007 Breeders’ Cup challenge. Last year’s Cup was pretty extraordinary, as the family had two horses participating in the events, Irish Smoke and Dream Rush. This year there’s no horses, which isn’t a bad thing. We don’t have to hold ourselves to any sort of standards, as we’re not representing integrity and honor this year. Plus, without the stress, we’ll likely be drunk and shit throwing our money around. What’s more fun than that? West Point Thoroughbreds does have Awesome Gem participating in the events, so be sure to drop some cash on him.

Diabla and I will be heading down to Santa Anita Thursday afternoon to prepare for the weekend’s extravaganza. By that, I mean, we’ll be drinking and partying all weekend. Of course, I’ll write a large followup, and throw up some photos from the event. I’ll make sure to keep my book up-to-date with my bets, and the outcomes, so I can tell you how I did.

But, before that, let’s look at my early predictions on the Breeders’ Cup Classic. This, of course, is the final race of the weekend, and it has a lot of big names. I don’t have the gate numbers, and the odds, naturally, will be changing daily. But, this ought to give you some idea into how I’ll likely be betting.

As you know, Big Brown will not be participating, as he has suffered a career ending injury. This leaves the field wide open.

Horse : Odds

Curlin : 2/1

Go Between : 8/1

Duke of Marmalade : 10/1

Raven’s Pass : 7/1

Henrythenavigator : 6/1

Casino Drive : 8/1

Well Armed : 1/1

Tiago : 25/1

Colonel John : 8/1

Student Council : 16/1

Champs Elysees : 33/1

Pyro : 33/1

Smooth Air : 33/1

There are two alternates, Fairbanks and Awesome Gem. It’d be cool to see Awesome Gem entered into the race, but it’s unlikely.

I’d put $5 to win on Pyro at 33/1 and $5 to win on Champs Elyees 33/1. I feel like Pyro is always the long shot. One day, he’ll be due. And, Champs, well, it’s 33 to 1.

My pick to win it all, Curlin 2-1, I’d put $20 on to win. Curlin is pretty badass, and the defending Cup champion.

A $5 exacta on Curlin 2-1 and Casino Drive 8-1.

A $5 exacta box on Well Armed 1-1 and Curlin 2-1.

A $5 Exacta Box on Raven’s Pass 7-1 and Colonel John 8-1.

A $2 trifecta on Curlin 2-1, Well Armed 1-1, Colonel John 8-1.

Lastly, my $2 superfecta box pick Curlin 2-1, Well Armed 1-1, Casino Drive 8-1 and Henrythenavigator 8-1.