Horse Racing Odds - Derby, Preakness, Belmont winners in action this weekend
- Who: Thoroughbreds – Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra, Summer Bird, and others
- What: Bet on Horse Racing – The West Virginia Derby, The Haskell Invitational
- Where: Mountaineer Park, Monmouth Park
- When: Saturday, August 1st
Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is the racebook morning line favorite (3-5) in The West Virginia Derby on Saturday at Mountaineer Park, but Big Drama (8-5) promises to steal his thunder. On Sunday at Monmouth Park, the weekend’s biggest attraction, Preakness champ Rachel Alexandra, takes on the boys once again in The Haskell Invitational. Belmont winner Summer Bird and several other talented colts will be hard-pressed to keep up.
You’ll notice the lack speed in The West Virginia Derby, meaning that Big Drama will be able to slow things down on the front end. When the real running begins, a high-class closer like Mine That Bird will be attempting to reel in a fresh horse that has already proven himself on several occasions going two turns. ‘Bird’s task is a formidable one...one that he’s unlikely to accomplish at underlaid odds if you’re betting online. I fully expect Big Drama to be the post-time favorite. I’ll bet him to win at odds of 3-5 or better...he’s that good.
The filly Rachel Alexandra faces a tougher bunch in The Haskell, with the likes of Belmont winner Summer Bird, Arkansas Derby winner Papa Clem, and multiple Grade 2 winner Munnings in the mix. I like her to win nevertheless, as reports from her camp indicate that she’s thriving, and if you can believe it, getting even stronger. In his current sharp form, Munnings will provide a bit of a test in the early going, and Summer Bird should be rolling late to grab second. I’ll bet on Rachel Alexandra to win at odds of 1-2 or better, and play a straight exacta, with Rachel over Summer Bird.
It’s strange that a race as important as The Jim Dandy is somewhat of an afterthought, but given the talent in the aforementioned events, it’s understandable. You’ll find your best value in this race, however, and value’s what it’s all about when you bet on horse racing. Charitable Man was all the rage heading into The Belmont Stakes, and was sent off at odds of 9-2. He didn’t run badly to finish fourth, and gained extra seasoning in the process. He’s listed as the third choice at 4-1 in The Jim Dandy, and should turn in a bang-up performance. Note that he romped at Saratoga last summer in his career debut, so you’re getting a “horse for the course”. I’ll bet him to win and place at odds of 5-2 or better.
Good luck this weekend and happy horse racing betting!
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 Comments@BetOnline.com.
