Now that Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra is out of the Belmont Stakes and will likely return to facing the ladies in the Mother Goose Stakes at the end of June, the field is starting to take shape.

Nine three year olds will likely take on Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the final leg of the Triple Crown.

Jockey Calvin Borel returns to rider Mine That Bird, and the gelding likely will go off as the post time favorite on Saturday.

Does the gelding join the ranks of chalky winners of the race like Afleet Alex ($4.30), Empire Maker ($6.00), and Point Given ($4.70)?

Or will one of the other nine runners pull off the upset, and finish off the decade with another juicy winner like Da’Tara ($79.00), Birdstone ($74.00), and Sarava ($142.50)?

Here is a quick look at the probables for our Belmont stakes 2009 date:

Brave Victory: The colt is one of two to go for hall of fame trainer Nick Zito, who pulled off two of the biggest upsets in Belmont Stakes history with Da’ Tara last year and Birdstone in 2004, ending the Triple Crown aspirations of Smarty Jones and Big Brown. The colt made a good late run to finish third in the Peter Pan Stakes in his last start.

Charitable Man: This colt likely is going to be the “buzz” horse this week for the Racebook. The son of Lemon Drop Kid won the Peter Pan last out, earning a career top speed fig. He looks primed for a top effort here as he makes his third start of the year.

Chocolate Candy: The colt sat out the Preakness Stakes after checking in fifth in the Kentucky Derby. The colt was squeezed back coming out of the gate in the Derby. The colt is a three-time stakes winner and picks up jockey Garrett Gomez.

Dunkirk: The lightly raced colt was sent off at just 5/1 in the Kentucky Derby after an impressive second in the Florida Derby in his stakes debut. The $3.7 million purchase had a tough trip in the Derby and is eligible to move forward off that effort. He has quite the pedigree, by Unbridled’s Song out of the multiple stakes winner Secret Status.

Flying Private: After a 19th place finish in the Kentucky Derby, this colt made a belated late run to finish fourth in the Preakness Stakes, beaten four lengths for the top spot. The colt has won just 1 of 12 career starts but earned a career best speed figure in his Preakness effort and has enough pedigree to handle the 1 ½ mile distance of the Belmont Stakes.

Luv Gov: The colt was not a factor after a wide trip in the Preakness Stakes, which was his first start against winners. It took ten tries just for this colt to break his maiden. How this guy went off at 24/1 in the Preakness is a real mystery. It looked like he should have been 90/1.

Mine That Bird: His Kentucky Derby win was aided by a dream trip and a golden rail, but he proved it was not a fluke with a solid runner up finish in the Preakness Stakes. With Rachel Alexandra out, the gelding is reunited with Calvin Borel, which is a big plus as Borel seeks to become the first jockey to win all three Triple Crown races with more than one horse. The gelding is the likely favorite but one-run horses generally do not fare well in the Belmont Stakes.

Miner’s Escape: This colts the second of the duo that will be sent out by Nick Zito. The colt won the Federico Tesio at Pimlico last out in his first start against winners. The colt looks like he is heading in the right direction and has a long-winded pedigree, but will need some of that Zito magic to win.

Mr. Hot Stuff: This colt did not have the best of trips in the Kentucky Derby. Two back he was a good third in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), beaten just two lengths by the winner Pioneerof the Nile and a length behind the runner up Chocolate Candy. The colt only has one win in eight starts on his resume.

Summer Bird: After a good effort in a third place finish in the Arkansas Derby (G2) this colt was parked wide much of the trip in a sixth place finish in the Kentucky Derby. The colt gets a jockey upgrade to Kent Desormeaux, and the colt is a son of 2004 Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone.

What makes this year unique is the shocking win registered by Mine That Bird on the first Saturday in May. The Derby winner is almost an automatic contender in Baltimore, but The Bird never showed that kind of ability before, and I am going to consider it a fluke performance until proven otherwise. With the Derby winner safely tossed, the Preakness seemingly comes down to three main contenders.

Visit our partners Betus or Sportsbook to bet on the 2nd leg of the tipple crown. You cant go wrong with either of these two options this weekend. Visit the above links for the most up to date 2009 Preakness odds.

Pioneerof The Nile brought a four race win streak to Churchill Downs, and he was hardly disgraced in a rock solid place finish. He was trying conventional dirt for the first time in the Derby, and he should go better in Baltimore with that experience under his belt. He continues to train well and adapts to various pace scenarios. I would like to see him relax early and finish, because that seems to be his most effective style.

Rachel Alexandra has not been challenged by fillies in her last five facile route tallies. She wheels back quickly to tackle the gents from the outside post. She does have the speed and ability to get the job done, but she will not offer much value in the Preakness, and she does not figure to receive a warm reception from the boys.

Musket Man has five wins and two show finishes from seven lifetime starts, and he was a fine third in the Kentucky Derby. He lands an advantageous inner post and can sit the right ground saving stalking trip at nice odds. He drilled a strong four furlong bullet at Monmouth for this, and it would be a wise decision to include him in all wagering decisions.

Preakness Stakes 2009 betting odds

Rachel Alexandra   +150
Mine That Bird   +450
Pioneerof The Nile  +450
Friesan Fire  +650
Papa Clem +800
Big Drama +1000
Musket Men  +1000
General Quarters  +1500
Take The Points  +2500
Tone it Down  +3000
Terrain  +3000
Flying Private   +4000
Lov Gov   +4000

Pioneerof The Nile had won four straight prior to the Derby, and he looked home free at Churchill, but Mine That Bird flew on by in the lane. He still fought hard for the place, and his final drill for the Preakness was strong. He has seemingly acclimated to conventional dirt, and I am anticipating an exciting battle with the filly.

A very quick reminder to those without a reliable racebook for the big race. Visit our good friends at Betus or Sportsbook to bet on the 2009 Preakness.  These are the absolute best options for this years race. Make sure to check out the above links for the current Preakness payout odds.

Rachel Alexandra has been untouchable in her last five stakes routes and was especially impressive in the Kentucky Oaks. She comes back in two weeks for new connections and meets a solid group of males. I respect her early/pressing speed but fear she will be overbet.

Friesan Fire had everything go wrong as the beaten up Derby favorite. He bounced back with a strong Pimlico drill and figures to go much better this time around. I will include the Larry Jones runner in exotics.

Musket Man always runs his race and posted a strong Monmouth Park work for this. Overchiever is a must use in exotics.

Papa Clem ran better than I expected in the Derby, but I have never been a big fan of the Arkansas Derby winner, and he will not be on my tickets in the second jewel.

General Quarters has been inconsistent recently, and note that he has lost six of his last seven dirt starts. I will let him beat me.

Big Drama will be part of the pace, but I am not sure if he is up to this distance with one sprint prep in the last five months.

Take the Points is back on preferred dirt and has been pointing to this since the Santa Anita Derby. I like his positional speed but think he is most effective at shorter distances.

Terrain has lost all of his route attempts, but I would not be shocked if the late runner snuck into the trifecta.

Mine That Bird ran out of his mind in the Derby, but his prior speed ratings suggest that effort was a fluke. Let’s see him do it again!

Flying Private flopped from a tough post position on the first Saturday in May. He is better than that but not good enough to threaten these.

Local hope Tone It Down appears over matched, along with Wayne Lukas trainee Luv Gov.

Here are my best bets for the 2009 Preakness. A win bet on Pioneerof The Nile, followed by a trifecta keying Pioneerof The Nile over Musket Man, Friesan Fire, Terrain, and Rachel Alexandra.

I respect Dunkirk and Friesan Fire, but they do not fit my Derby criteria. The former has yet to win a stakes race and did not race as a juvenile, while the latter has not raced beyond a mile and a sixteenth and makes his first start in seven weeks. Both horses figure to take action, and I will let them beat me.

Once again quick reminder for those still looking for a quality  bookmaker to bet on on this years Run for the Roses.  I recommend signing up with Sportsbook for the easiest deposit options around and fastest withdrawals times of your winnings .

Now, I will present the top three contenders for the 2009 Kentucky Derby based on my above criteria, and I’ll start with my top selection Pioneerof The Nile. Note: You may also want to check out my complete Kentucky Derby predictions post in which I handicap the entire field.

The good looking Zayat Stables colt has won four straight graded races under Garrett Gomez, and he was my Breeders’ Cup Juvenile pick, so I am not about to jump ship now. His synthetic speed ratings have not been sharp, but I love his ability to move early while adapting to various pace scenarios. He has reportedly looked rock solid since arriving in Louisville, and if he handles the dirt the rest are in big trouble. Bob Baffert has won the Derby three times, and his sire Empire Maker was my Derby and Belmont Stakes selection in 2003.

Hold Me Back in the same synthetic boat as Pioneerof The Nile. I was very impressed with his Lane’s End triumph, and he regressed as expected in the Blue Grass. I love the big race off the layoff followed by a solid effort. He is training well for this and needs some pace help. As an interesting side note, his conditioner Bill Mott trained Pioneerof The Nile as a juvenile, and jockey Kent Desormeaux won the Derby last year aboard Big Brown.

Update: I Want Revenge has been scratched. He won both of his dirt starts at Aqueduct impressively, and he continues to be on his toes in the morning. Lack of value is a negative. Note that Pioneerof The Nile beat him twice in California, and based on post draw, his nemesis figures to shadow him throughout. Many do not like his trainer Jeff Mullins or part-owner IEAH Stables, but do not hold that against the horse, and how can you not root for confident young rider Joe Talamo.

Pioneerof The Nile (4-1) was my BC Juvenile selection and is my pick to win the 2009 Kentucky Derby. His sire Empire Maker was my Derby top, and his trainer Bob Baffert has won the Derby three times. Top notch rider Garrett Gomez is 4-4 with him, and he adapts to various pace scenarios. He has reeled off four straight graded wins and has looked the part since arriving in Louisville. He beat today’s morning line favorite I Want Revenge (Scratched) twice in California and wins this if able to transfer his synthetic form to conventional dirt.

A quick reminder for those still looking for a place to wager on the big race.  We recommend going with Sportsbook for best deposit and withdrawal options available anywhere online today.

Desert Party (15-1) has been on my radar screen since Arlington debut last summer. He had a good winter in Dubai and is training with a purpose for this. Godolphin has failed to win our Derby numerous times, but this $2.1 million son of Street Cry has the talent to get them over the hump.

Hold Me Back (15-1) is a live longshot. He is training well for this and looked great in Lane’s End comeback. He regressed a bit in Blue Grass last time, and he should be rounding back to top effort. He needs pace help and must prove he can handle dirt.

I Want Revenge (Scratched) looked good defeating inferior horses in the Gotham and Wood, and he showed the ability to overcome trouble last time. He’s been looking well since arriving at Churchill. He has controversial trainer Jeff Mullins in his corner, and young jockey Joe Talamo exudes confidence. He owns running style versatility. Obvious contender will not offer value.

Chocolate Candy (20-1) did not look good when first arriving at Churchill, but he has been much improved this week and could surprise from off the pace. He has been part of trifecta in all six synthetic stakes starts, and look out if he handles the surface.

Friesan Fire (5-1) might try to play catch me if you can for Larry Jones. I am not thrilled about the layoff, and he has yet to race beyond a mile and a sixteenth, but he might last a long time if able to sneak away early.

Dunkirk (4-1) is the 2009 version of Big Brown, but there is more depth/talent in this renewal, and the promising Pletcher runner might get over bet. Note that he did not race as a juvenile and has yet to win a stakes race.

Regal Ransom (30-1) rode the speed bias to victory in Dubai last time. He has looked good in Churchill training sessions and looms a pace factor at the very least. I have a feeling the distance is slightly out of his reach.

Mr. Hot Stuff (30-1) is on the improve but remains eligible for an entry level spot. His brother (Colonel John) was my Derby top last year, and he owns enough of a late kick to land a share.

Flying Private (50-1) has multiple Derby winning trainer Wayne Lukas in his corner, and he had a breathing issue from the Arkansas Derby corrected. $700k purchase owns a strong pedigree and plenty of experience. He has only scored once but could hit the board at a big price.

General Quarters (20-1) has been much improved in morning activity at Churchill and handles any footing. He seems a cut below the best, and many will be rooting for veteran trainer Tom McCarthy.

Musket Man (20-1) landed an inner post and will probably have to be used a bit early to keep from getting shuffled back. I have always liked him, but he’s short on pedigree and has not looked good in his morning activity at Churchill.

West Side Bernie (30-1) has lost five straight and is stuck on the rail. He had a touch of colic after the Wood and has only had one Derby work. I would not be shocked if he snuck into the superfecta, but anything more would be a surprise.

Papa Clem (20-1) is not training well, and I thought the Arkansas Derby was one of the weaker Derby preps.

Advice (30-1) is back in two weeks after a graded synthetic score. He failed to fire versus lesser in lone conventional dirt try, and I cannot see him threatening these.

Summer Bird (50-1) ran a big race to land the show in the Arkansas Derby, but he has looked tired in his recent morning activity. He remains eligible for an entry level spot and is a likely bounce candidate.

Join In The Dance (50-1) owns speed for Pletcher. His lone win was accomplished in a sprint, and he figures to fade after six furlongs or so.

A few late defections allowed the inclusion of Atomic Rain (50-1) and Nowhere To Hide (50-1)…both seem up against it!

Mine That Bird (50-1) owns low speed ratings and appears over matched.

Best Bet

Now, how to bet the race. I suggest a win bet on Pioneerof The Nile, followed by an exacta box of Pioneerof The Nile, Desert Party, Hold Me Back, and Chocolate Candy.

Stay tuned for further coverage of the big race with odds form Las Vegas, best bet anaylsis from Robert Kendtra and trifecta picks from Andre Sanchez all to be posted later today.

The fact that the San Diego Chargers are even in the postseason is somewhat miraculous. On top of that odds makers have them as only as the slight underdogs. The Colts are the -1 favorite at both Betus.com and Sportsbook.com.

Left for dead after eight games with a 3-5 record, the Chargers went 1-3 November to enter the last month of the season with a 4-8 record.  Thanks to a 4 game December winning streak and a collapse by the Denver Broncos here they are, champions of the lowly AFC West with an 8-8 record.

If you’re thinking that it’s not often that 8-8 teams make the playoffs or win division titles you’d be right.  The Chargers are the first team to win a divisional title with an 8-8 record in 23 years—it was last done in 1985 by the Cleveland Browns.  Overall, they’re the ninth team in league history to make the playoffs with an 8-8 record.  They also became the first team in NFL history to qualify for postseason play after starting the season 4-8.

Now that they’ve made the postseason, unfortunately, historical precedent is decidedly against them:  of the aforementioned eight teams with 8-8 records to make the playoffs only two managed to win a postseason game.  We haven’t seen much to suggest that San Diego can become the third team to win a playoff game with an 8-8 record.  While you have to give them considerable credit for not giving up on the season, the reality is that their December schedule should have been gift wrapped with a bow around it.  They started the month playing Oakland at home and Kansas City on the road—two teams with a combined 5-22 record entering their respective games against the Chargers.   They then won at Tampa Bay before dominating Denver in the final game of the season.  The Bucs and Broncos enjoyed the dubious distinction of suffering a couple of the worst “down the stretch” collapses in NFL history and combined for a 1-7 record in December.

In other words, San Diego was fortunate to catch bad teams and decent teams playing bad football at the right time of the year to make their run to the postseason.  Their scheduling luck runs out this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts, who have won nine straight games and haven’t tasted defeat since losing to the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night, October 27.  The mainstream sports media is scraping trying to find reasons that Indy loses this one and in particular focusing on their rushing game (or lack thereof).   The problem is that they’ve never really had a decent rushing game, and all they’ve done despite this liability is post the best record in the league since 1999 and become the first team in NFL history to win 12 games or more in five consecutive seasons.

And with this game a “pick”, all Indy needs to do is win outright.  This is where us sports handicapping types are supposed to throw in a bunch of trends, angles, etc. to justify our position but in this game there’s no need for that.  All you need to know is that to cash the bet we just need Peyton Manning and the Colts to win outright against the #31 ranked passing defense in the NFL.  On the other hand and despite a whole slew of injuries, Indianapolis was a respectable 11th in overall defense.  With all due respect to the considerable talents of Phillip Rivers, we’ve got one of the most dependably productive QB’s in NFL history and the better defense working for us and all we need is the outright win.  Looks like a no brainer from here.

INDIANAPOLIS PICK OVER SAN DIEGO

We talked to the people who know the real extent of the problem. The guys that take the bets.

“If there were professionals betting on themselves they’d likely get someone to place the wager for them in Las Vegas (rather than bet online). Tito Ortiz has mentioned before that he has personally placed wagers before in Las Vegas. He’s very open to where he put his money. MMA fighters can do as they wish as long as they don’t bet on themselves under contract or do it illegally like Din Thomas or Kimbo Slice where they fought in people’s back yards (unsanctioned fights).” said one Offshore representative.

It’s a major issue the UFC or any other professional organization is not willing to address. Client lists for any sports book are strictly confidential.

“We’d never be able to divulge any client information to anyone under any circumstances. So for the record we do not have any professional fighters placing wagers with us.”

Though there have been a few cases of retired bookmakers exposing former athletes. In his book Bets, Drugs and Rock & Roll former bookie Steve Budin estimates 20 to 25 active NFL players bet on the sport. That would amount to a total of around 3% of NFL roster. Famously Jaromir Jagr, then a Pittsburgh Penguins star racked up US$450,000 debt to Belize-based bookmaker Carib Sports.

With the sport still being in its infancy even those who make it to the UFC may not necessary earn a living from the sport making them especially susceptible to inducements.

Then there’s the last fight scenario. Its simply economics, for fighters on their last contracted fight or perhaps on the last fight of their careers “taking a dive” becomes awfully lucrative.

In reality betting on fights is a almost a untraceable activity. It can only be detected with a coordinated effort between police, bookmakers and sporting organizations according to all offshore representative we have spoken to. Europe is at the forefront of the issue. Bookmakers are largely regulated and work side by side with sports authorities. Irregular betting activity is often picked up and followed up with lengthy investigations by individual sports books . If a crime is detected law enforcement is also notified.

The Fertitta’s seems open to a more regulated system and known as gambling advocates even if its limited to Las Vegas only.

“If people want to bet legally on the UFC, we think that it’s not a bad thing,” said Lorenzo Fertitta last year. The Ferritta’s themselves who own Stations casino choose not to except bets on UFC fight in order to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

Despite Big Browns absence 2008 Breeders Cup Championship is one of the most fascinating in the its 25 year history. What makes things particularly interesting this year is the introduction of the synthetic surface. On top of that we have a invasion of runners from across the globe.

All eyes will be on Curlin at the BCC. He is the deserving but for me the value lies else where. There is no doubt that American handicappers are underestimating the impact of the new surface. (Further analysis continued below.)

It’s a been great handicapping weekend for us, with that let hope its continues with our Breeders Cup Tips.

Note: If you’re still looking for a place to bet the Breeders Cup this weekend we recommend going with Betus racebook.

Expert Breeders Cup Preview and Analysis Across the Web

With the first day already upon us we decided to post a comprehensive lists of expert Breeders Cup selections and analysis from across the web. These are handicappers who’s opinions we value highly even if they may be different to ours. Please note: for those who missed our detailed Breeders Cup Preview, make sure to read Jarrod’s picks and betting guide also.

This is an exclusive for betwwx blog readers and subscribers. A anonymous source has sent us two rock solid selections for Ladies Day at the 2008 Breeders Cup.

This is from of one number of horse racing sources who’s typically done very well in this event in years past.

Race #3 #12 Ventura There is enough speed in this race for this horse to close. This filly almost beat colts last time out. She shows she can win on the fake dirt. Should also get a good price. (Update: first bet wins)

Race #7 #1 Zenyatta This horse has never lost and never will. I have no betting suggestions. Maybe an Exacta, maybe Pick 3’s, I don’t know. I guess there is a possibility that there will be enough bettors who don’t know how to read a form and will bet on other horses enough to push the price up to 3/5. If so punch her number until it hurts. This horse is so great that not even horse killer Mike Smith has been able to keep this horse from the winner’s circle. (Update: second bet wins)

The third and final selection sent to us from our source is Curlin to win the BCC.

Two more selections by some of racing best handicappers follow below. The first is former  former National Handicapping Championship Ron Rippey.

“CURLIN is just too tough to pick against despite his debut on the Pro-Ride track. The Horse-of-the-Year is 11-15 in his career, the top money earner of all time and excels at 1 1/4 miles with a 6-for-7 record. His only loss this year was when he tried the turf, hit the gate and fell far back early. Curlin won the Classic last year by 4 1/2 in the slop at Monmouth and has been an odds-on favorite in all six races this year.”

Our second selected Breeders Cup tip comes from Greg Wood.

“At the prices, Curlin is worth taking on. The problem from a European angle, though, is that Duke Of Marmalade and Henrythenavigator have both had long seasons, while Raven’s Pass may not get home. This all points towards Casino Drive (11.45) as a value bet. The Japanese runner has as much as 12lb to find on ratings, but has just three races behind him and should have plenty of improvement left to come.”

All 14 races will be broadcast live on ESPN, EPSN 2 and ABC in the US. TSN has the Canada rights while ATR and RUK will broadcast the races in the UK.

Let us know what bets you like in the comments section below or simply email us at backupemailbhg@gmail.com. Finally, quick thanks you to all those have contributed to our 2008 Breeders Cup Sections and coverage.

Where to bet?

We’re here to help if you’re not sure of how or where to bet breeders cup. If don’t have access to a online sportsbook or racebook account already simply head over to Betus.com, click through to the sign up form and they’ll walk you through the depositing process. They’ve got races from every major thoroughbred racetrack in the US and offer some of the best sign-up bonuses online at moment.

Breeders’ Cup Post Positions

Post     Horse     Odds
1     Go Between     8-1
2     Casino Drive     10-1
3     Tiago         15-1
4     Duke of Marmalade 10-1
5     Henrythenavigator     10-1
6     Smooth Air     50-1
7     Student Council     20-1
8     Raven’s Pass     6-1
9     Curlin         7-5
10     Fairbanks     10-1
11     Colonel John     20-1
12     Champs Elysees 15-1

Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup

Post     Horse          Odds
1     Ninth Client     15-1
2     City Style     T20-1
3     Westphalia (IRE)     5-1
4     Donativum (GB)     6-1
5     Relatively Ready     12-1
6     Vaquero          20-1
7     Coronet of a Baron 9-2
8     Paddy The Pro     15-1
9     Orthodox     20-1
10     Skipadate     6-1
11     Bittel Road     7-2
12     Grand Adventure     5-1
13AE     Mark S the Cooler     20-1

Sentient Flight Group

Post     Horse         Odds
1     Cost of Freedom     4-1
2     Street Boss     3-1
3     Fabulous Strike     4-1
4     Midnight Lute     7-2
5     First Defence     12-1
6     Black Seventeen     15-1
7     In Summation     10-1
8     Sing Baby Sing     30-1
9     Fatal Bullet     6-1

Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf

Post     Horse         Odds
1     Better Talk Now     10-1
2     Red Rocks (IRE)     5-1
3     Grand Couturier      6-1
4     Soldier of Fortune     7-2
5     Winchester     15-1
6     Dancing Forever     10-1
7     Red Rock Canyon     30-1
8     Spring House     10-1
9     Conduit (IRE)     6-1
10     Out of Control     10-1
11     Eagle Mountain    6-1

The Cup does not receive the same media coverage as the Kentucky Derby however for racing insiders its the racing equivalent of the Super Bowl. Outside the Dubai World Cup Night, the second day of the BCWC is richest day in the world of sports. A total purse of $25.5 million will be available this Friday and Saturday. Despite economic conditions Breeders Cup betting is also expect reach near record levels.

On its 25th anniversary a big contingent of European entries are set to challenge Americas dominance of the event. A total of 35 international pre entries makes this years fields the most competitive yet. Now that odds are widely available on all races, we’ve complied the lasted 2008 Breeders Cup Odds for you below.

Breeders Cup Classic Morning Line

Its hard to look past last years winner Curlin at the Classic. The raining horse of the year is the short price favorite to make it back to back BCC’s. Curlin has drawn rail 9 and has been placed as the 7-5 favorite.

For the first time in its 25 history the classic will be run on a new Pro-Ride synthetic main track. Duke of Marmalade, Henrythenavigator and Raven’s Pass are set to benefit and sure pose stiff competition for Curlin at the classic. Weather forecast calls for a hot and dry weekend. While the track may suit the Europeans weather conditions will not favour them. Non the less we favor the Internationals with our Breeders Cup bets.

Make sure to check out Jarrod Horak’s detailed Breeders Cup predictions and recommended bets.

Breeders’ Cup Classic: 1. Go Between (8-1) 2. Casino Drive (10-1) 3. Tiago (15-1) 4. Duke of Marmalade (10-1) 5. Henrythenavigator (10-1) 6. Smooth Air (50-1) 7. Student Council (20-1) 8. Raven’s Pass (6-1) 9. Curlin (7-5), 10. Fairbanks (10-1) 11. Colonel John (20-1) 12. Champs Elysees (15-1)

TV: Saturday, October 25th on ESPN at 6:45 PM and HRRN on radio. Betting available at Betus racebook.

Ladies Classic

All eyes will be on Zenyatta at Ladies Day. If she can make it nine for nine and Curlin fails take BCC its there every chance good she’ll steal the Horse of the Year award. She has drawn the rail and enters as the 3-5 favourite.

Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic: 1. Zenyatta (3-5) 2. Hystericalady (15-1) 3. Cocoa Beach (8-1) 4. Music Note (6-1) 5.Carriage Trail (8-1) 6. Ginger Punch (9-2) 7. Santa Teresita (50-1) 8. Bear Now (30-1)

TV: Friday, October 24th on ESPN2 at 6:15 PM.

Breeders’ Cup Turf

Breeders’ Cup Turf: 1. Heros Reward (8-1) 2. Fleeting Spirit (5-1) 3. True to Tradition (15-1) 4. Only Answer (20-1) 5. Salute the Count (12-1) 6. Storm Treasure (12-1) 7. Rouse the Cat (20-1) 8. Diabolical (6-1) 9. Desert Code (30-1) 10. California Flag (15-1) 11. Idiot Proof (8-1) 12.One Union (15-1) 13. Get Funky (9-2) 14. Mr. Nightlinger (6-1)

TV: Saturday, October 25th on ABC at 1:50 PM.

Breeders’ Cup Sprint

Breeders’ Cup Marathon: 1. Cost of Freedom (4-1) 2. Street Boss (3-1) 3. Fabulous Strike (4-1) 4. Midnight Lute (7-2) 5. First Defence (12-1) 6. Black Seventeen (15-1) 7. In Summation (10-1) 8. Sing Baby Sing (30-1) 9. Fatal Bullet (6-1)

TV: Saturday, October 25th on ABC at 1:50 PM.

Breeders’ Cup Mile

Breeders’ Cup Mile: 1. Shakis (10-1) 2. Kip Deville (5-1) 3. Precious Kitten (8-1) 4. Goldikova (3-1) 5. Daytona (6-1) 6. Awesome Gem (20-1) 7. U S Ranger (15-1) 8. Bold Chieftain (15-1) 9. War Monger (12-1) 10. Thorn Song (12-1) 11. Whatsthescript (4-1)

TV: Saturday, October 25th on ABC at 3:15 PM.

Visit the Betus racebook for the latest odds for all the races.

Bet Breeders Cup

Whether you’re a long time racing fan or new to online betting or just looking for a quick guide on how to lay down some coin on richest sporting event in America this post is for you.

First if you don’t have a online racebook account or aren’t minutes away from Vegas or a casino head on over to the good folks at Betus and open an online account. Fast track your betting by using your credit card and making your deposit available within minutes.

Second check out the latest live racing odds at the Betus race book page. Currently lines are available for the entire Breeders Cup Championship. From to the Filly & Mare Sprin to the BC Classic on Saturday.

Third make your bet. There are literally hundreds of bet types available at the Betus race book, chose from straight up win bets, place, show, exactas, bet doubles, trifectas, quinellas, exotics and more. However make sure to read Jarrod’s picks post before making you final selection.

And fourth stay up to date. Check out the Breeders Cup entries, results and late breaking news at the official website and watch the racing coverage live on ESPN and ABC starting this Friday.

Barack Obama has had a commanding lead in the betting all summer however it appears that there is a major shift in momentum that has turned this election into a real battle.

McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate has been the major catalyst for the odds change.

Update: These are the odds as they stand on November 4th:

US Presidential Election 2008

Winning Party
Tue, Nov 04, 2008 EST
Democrats -1400
Republicans +600

Other election betting options available:

McCain Concession Speech

Tuesday 4th November +125
Wednesday 5th November -165
Later than Wednesday 5th November +700
No concession speech +500

Next US Secretary of State
Richard Holbrooke +200
Anthony Lake +500
John Kerry  +500
Susan Rice +1000

For the latest live election lines visit BetUS.com.

***

Currently betting markets have set McCain’s chances at slightly better than 50% with Barrack Obama around 48% chance of winning the 2008 presidential election. However McCain is the slight underdog at international sportsbook Bookmaker.com with a -108 price ( Bet for $110 a $100 return) with Obama the small favorite at -122  (Bet $122 for a  $100 return)

The recent polls also appear to have been a major contributor to the latest betting movements with Gallup giving McCain a 10 points lead.

Earlier this week Palin appeared nervous as she struggled trough her fist major public interview. The mixed reviews have not however affected McCain’s odds of winning the election with his price reaching record highs at prediction markets and traditional bookmakers in the last 24 hours.

At this stage the race is still wide open. McCain may be the slight favorite at  some betting establishments however many still favor Barack Obama. With the election so even, betting is expected to reach record levels.

For those looking to lay down some coin on McCain and make this election really interesting sign-up with our BetUS.com. They offer a solid -120 line on McCain. For those looking to support Obama you’re best bet is at Bookmaker Sportsbook (See link above).

Other betting options are also available with state by state betting also garnering plenty of interest from the public. There is no doubt the election will be one of the biggest betting events this years and bettors are sure to benefit as sportsbooks compete for your betting dollar with better odds and bonuses. Below are the latest 2008 election odds. More election betting coverage with best our bets to follow.

2008 US Presidential Odds at Bookmaker: McCain vs Obama

(-108) John McCain
(-122) Barrack Obama