Empire Classic Handicap and Grade II Lexus Raven Run Stakes

The online racebook fans regarding that.

Of course next week I will be writing up an article on every single one of the Breeders’ Cup Races. This includes some of the lesser known races that this Breeders’ Cup will be offering.

In the mean time online racebook fans need to concentrate on this weekend’s stakes races.

Let’s get to it!

Race-day: 10/18/2008

Belmont Park - - Race 10

Empire Classic Handicap

$250,000

For Three Year Olds and Up Foaled in New York

1 1/8th miles on dirt

Since this race is only for New York foaled horses, it makes sense that there won’t be a stand-out to choose as the winner. To me, that makes the race even more compelling from an online betting point-of-view. I’ve settled on Stunt Man who is coming off of three absolutely horrid races at Saratoga. Stunt Man has always done better at Belmont than at the Spa and he will come into this off of a fantastic work on October 14th. For second, I’ll be putting a few wagering dollars on Dr. D.F.C. who has been very good on the Belmont dirt strip. For third, R Clear Victory, the likely chalk, looks tough.

1. Stunt Man

2. Dr. D.F.C.

3. R Clear Victory

Keeneland Racecourse - - Race 9

Grade II Lexus Raven Run

$300,000

For Three Year Old Fillies

7 furlongs on the Polytrack

Informed Decision is coming out of a minor stakes race at Belmont Park where she won. In her race before she finished fourth in the Grade III Victory Ride. She doesn’t tower over this field but her online odds should stay consistent since the Steve Asmussen filly, Rated Feisty is in this. In fact I like Rated Feisty to finish second in this race. She should get the lead and save ground around the final turn. There is a lot of other speed in her but Asmussen might have a special one in Feisty. For third the likely chalk, Golden Doc A, has to be considered. What a terrible run she had in her last. She can’t help but improve off of that.

1. Informed Decision

2. Rated Feisty

3. Golden Doc A

Good Luck!