Grade I Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup & Grade III Athenia Handicap

There are a couple of big races this weekend, but online racebook fans shouldn’t get to excited. The Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships is little more than two weeks away.

That means that whatever online racebook fans win in these races should be stocked away for the biggest horse racing - - the Breeders’ Cup!

Let’s get to the races!

Race-day: 10/11/2008

Belmont Park - - Race 9

Grade III Athenia Handicap

$100,000

For Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Up

1 1/16th miles on turf

Criminologist will be chalky. So, I’m going to throw some online wagering dollars behind Criticism. Criticism starts first time for trainer Tom Albertrani. She has the back class and coming from Europe there’s no doubt that she can beat this field of B type grass horses. Criminologist is just too good to keep out of the top two. Again, the online odds are going to be atrocious, but what can we do? Sometimes the chalk is the chalk for a reason. Social Queen looks like she has no chance, but the truth is that she’s the only gal that wants to close in this race save for Criticsim. She could pick up a paycheck.

1. Criticism

2. Criminologist

3. Social Queen

Keeneland Racecourse - - Race 9

Grade I Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup

$500,000

For Fillies Three Years Old

1 1/8th miles on turf

Storm Mesa is the lone speed. She could dominate this field after a short break. Earlier this year, she won five races in a row before bouncing in the Grade I Del Mar Oaks. No worries. She makes amends to online betting fans in this one. Sefroua goes first time for Graham Motion and that’s enough for me to say that she has a shot. I like how Motion automatically throws her into a Grade I. Backseat Rhythm will be the chalk and for good reason. She is an exemplary animal and could easily destroy this field, but the online wagering odds will be too low for my tastes.

1. Storm Mesa

2. Sefroua

3. Backseat Rhythm

Good Luck!