Watkins Glen odds - Dixon's race to lose
The Watkins Glen odds showcase an IndyCar season in which the sport is enjoying a nice resurgence. Whether it’s Danica Patrick’s celebrity, Dario Franchitti’s great racing or Helio Castroneves’ personality, something special seems to be in the air in 2009. Which driver’s IndyCar betting chances look the best for Watkins Glen this weekend?
Watkins Glen odds: Tough to bet against three-time winner Scott Dixon
- Dario Franchitti just ahead of Dixon in points
- Danica Patrick can’t seem to crack the podium
- Young Graham Rahal a nice sleeper
The betting favorite this week has to be Scott Dixon. He leads the IndyCar Series with three wins this season and, more importantly, he has a great history at Watkins Glen. He won the race three straight times from 2005 to 2007 and, while he may not offer big sportsbook value, his Watkins Glen odds are stronger than oak.
The next big favorite is Dario Franchitti, who many race fans feel is driving as well as he ever has in his IndyCar career (though I’d race great if I woke up to Ashley Judd every morning too). He leads Dixon in the standings by a single point and that may give him the extra motivation to hold off his charging teammate.
Your boom/bust Watkins Glen pick is probably Helio Castroneves. He’ll dominate a race one week and slip up with a mental error the next. At Richmond, he ended up crashing. What he does at Watkins Glen is anyone’s guess.
Ryan Briscoe looks like a solid midrange pick in the Watkins Glen odds. He had a hiccup when he crashed at Richmond but he’s been consistent overall and, while he won’t blow you away, he’s a safe bet to contend this week.
What about Danica Patrick? Some sportsbook bettors will pounce on her Watkins Glen odds, feeling she’s due for a win, but I’m not seeing signs of a breakout. She’s always around the top five but isn’t pushing through that invisible barrier.
The big long shot could be Graham Rahal. The 20-year-old is starting to come into his own and should be stronger on the upcoming stretch of road and street courses as opposed to the oval circuits. If you like risks, he could be your flier of the week.
Careful with Hideki Mutoh. On paper, he appears to be surging toward a win, having posted two top-four finishes. However, those races came on ovals, so his Watkins Glen odds could be deceiving as he battles through a winding track.
LEE-ROY’S PICK: I’m mighty tempted to swing for the fences with Graham Rahal, but Scott Dixon’s history in this race is just too strong to ignore. You have to go with him.
For more Watkins Glen odds and IndyCar lines, visit the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Born in the betting capital of Las Vegas, Lee-Roy has grown to appreciate the likes of IndyCar and Formula 1 racing, but his first love is the high-speed ovals of NASCAR and he is a HUGE Tony Stewart fan. When it comes to motorsports handicapping, Buckles takes the checkered flag. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
