Breeders’ Cup Wagering - Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

This race could end up being one of the most competitive of the day. If Well Armed decides to run in this race and not in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, then he has to be considered for a win wager.

He should go off the favorite in this, but I’m not sure how much I really like him in this race. Well Armed prefers to run up front. He won’t get an easy lead in this!

His connections appear afraid to take on Curlin. They believe that Lewis Michael might be an easier horse for them to beat. I’m not so sure. Online racebook fans should handicap this race as if Well Armed will run and then watch and see what happens.

Let’s get to it!

Race-day: 10/25/2008

Santa Anita - - Race 3

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

$1,000,000

For Three Year Olds and Up

1 mile on Pro-Ride

Lewis Michael - - 4/1 fair online odds

Lewis Michael is one hard knocking fella. He’s never matured into a champion, but he keeps picking up paychecks in races where online racebook fans write off his chances. This race could be like that. Michael is coming off a lay off but does have a record of 2 and 2 out of four races at this mile distance. He should have no issues over the Pro-Ride surface and trainer Wayne Catalano has made a serious living off of this guy for a few years. Jockey Joe Talamo knows the Pro-Ride surface about as well as any rider on the grounds right now. Lewis Michael likes to run just off the pace. With the abundance of speed in this, that’s the way to go. Online sportsbook betting fans should seriously consider a win and place wager on Lewis Michael at online odds of 4 to 1 or higher.

Well Armed - - 7/2 fair online odds

Well Armed will be the classiest horse in this. The only problem is that if First Defense and Jonesboro go in this, Well Armed is going to have to hustle in order to get the lead. Then, he’s going to have to hold off a few terrific closers after running a half in around 45 seconds. That means that Well Armed, because of his style, might have a better chance at winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic than this race. I’m not sold on his chances in this but his class is undeniable.

Albertus Maximus - - 6/1 fair online odds

The distance is perfect for this son of Albert the Great. He should have no problem sitting behind the speed and then making a move at the top of the stretch. Of course, he might find himself in a wicked pace duel even though he will be a length or two off of it! That’s how fast the speed horses may be going in this. He’s got tons of ability and has put it together in recent races, but one has to question whether or not he has the requisite style to win this.

My Pal Charlie - - 7/1 fair online odds

My Pal Charlie just freaked in the Super Derby. His speed rating was enormous. I have no problems with Charlie. It’s just that he ran so well in his last race the bounce bug has to be considered. It just has to. Will Charlie be able to run close enough to the pace without getting sucked into it? Will Charlie be able to rate just enough and then have enough in the stretch to kick home? The race he freaked in was at a mile and an eighth. Now, he’s turning back to a mile. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.