Racebook Betting – Spa Chalk Looks Too Tough
Posted on 8/30/2008 12:24:16 AM
By Pete Mitchell
Horse Racing Odds – The Woodward
Saturday’s racebook betting pair of Grade 1’s at Saratoga probably won’t yield much in the way of profits, but at least they’ll give us a glimpse of greatness. The 29th Running of The Forego at 7 furlongs will feature horse racing odds on rising star Lucky Island, and the 55th Running of The Woodward at 1 1/8 miles will be highlighted by the appearance of 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin. Both will be tough to beat at low horse racing odds.
Bred in Argentina, Lucky Island made his racebook betting career debut in his home country a winning one, defeating 12 rivals going six furlongs on the grass. His next start came at Calder near the end of his 3YO season. He finished last in a field of seven after stumbling at the start and being steadied early. Since that misadventure, he has rattled off four straight impressive wins, the last two in graded stakes company. The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee owns the field’s top Beyer Speed Figure (114), and his versatility makes him even more imposing. He’s won at four different race tracks, on grass and dirt, over fast and muddy surfaces, and from a stalking position as well as on the lead. He appears to have this field over a barrel.
Curlin looks even more imposing in the Woodward. He’s closing in on $10 million in earnings, and has been training with gusto at his Saratoga base. He’s at equal weights with each member of the field, making the prospect of an upset even less likely. Wanderin Boy will lead the horse racing odds field as far as he can, and the talented Divine Park will make his presence felt turning for home, but the champ will be rolling late and should not be denied.
The question for bettors is how to maximize profits on two short-priced favorites. I’ll take #7-Lucky Island to win at odds of 6-5 or better, and I’ll play a straight exacta (7-2) using Lucky Island over #2-First Defense. First Defense (morning line odds of 9-2), trained by Hall-of-Famer Bobby Frankel, finished second in the racebook betting of The King’s Bishop (G1) here last year to the very good Hard Spun, and his recent second in the A. G. Vanderbilt (G2) was also solid.
I’ll also play a Daily Double of #7-Lucky Island with #5-Curlin. Finally, I’ll play a straight exacta (5-8) using Curlin over #8-Wanderin Boy. The Nick Zito trainee exits a sharp win at “The Spa”, and finished second last year in the 1 1/8-mile Whitney (G1) to the talented Lawyer Ron.
Best of luck Saturday, and be sure to make your racebook betting plays at BetOnline.com, where you’ll receive full track odds and generous rebates.
Pete Mitchell has been handicapping
horses since his teenage years. He has been a professional horse player for
many years, and came to BetOnline.com’s attention through multiple referrals
from industry insiders/sportsbook owners. Pete is revered for
his horse handicapping opinion
and industry experts acknowledge his impressive career
winning record. Thoughts or questions? Email
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