Breeders’ Cup Classic preview: Saturday, October 25, 2008

Below are post positions, morning line odds, and notes for the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic, to be run at ten furlongs over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface on October 25, 2008.

Santa Anita Race 9: Grade 1 BC Classic, 3up, 10f

(1) Go Between (8-1) – Fresh synthetic specialist is training well for this. Garrett Gomez chose this one over Colonel John.

(2) Casino Drive (10-1) – Japanese runner is 3-3, and the $950k purchase is well-bred and has a world of potential.

(3) Tiago (15-1) – Mike Smith/John Shirreffs teamed up to win yesterday’s Ladies’ Classic with Zenyatta. He finished 2nd in the local prep for this.

(4) Duke of Marmalade (10-1) – Ten furlong overseas turf specialist has won 5 grade one races.

(5) Henrythenavigator (10-1) – Flat mile overseas turf specialist is Duke of Marmalade’s stablemate, and note that stable rider Murtagh chose to ride Duke in this event.

(6) Smooth Air (50-1) – Florida based 3yo has tactical speed but seems a cut below this group.

(7) Student Council (20-1) – Curlin’s stablemate is a grade one performer in his own right, and he is proven over synthetic footing.

(8) Raven’s Pass (6-1) – The 3rd and final overseas invader is similar to Henrythenavigator. He has had a long campaign.

(9) Curlin (7-5) – The defending Classic champ has not been as dominating in his recent races. He is training well for his first synthetic try.

(10) Fairbanks (10-1) – Was re-routed to this race when all of the pace defected. The one to catch.

(11) Colonel John (20-1) – My Derby top enjoys synthetic racing and won the Grade 1 Travers at this distance.

(12) Champs Elysees (20-1) – Marathon turf specialist was 3rd in the Big Cap in March. He adds blinkers for this.

To view my 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic selections and wagering strategies, click here.

To view my 2008 Breeders’ Cup Sprint selections and wagering strategies, click here.

Duke of Marmalade Photo Credit: Newscom