Horse Racing Odds - Rachel Alexandra set to scale new heights
- Who: Thoroughbreds – Rachel Alexandra, others
- What: Bet on Horse Racing – The Woodward
- Where: Saratoga
- When: Saturday, September 5th
If Rachel Alexandra captures the 56th running of The Woodward this Saturday at Saratoga, she’ll become the only filly or mare to accomplish that feat. Standing in her way are seven older horses who have amassed a total of $8.5 million in purses and 23 stakes wins. Rachel has many things in her favor. She’s on an eight-race winning streak (all with Calvin Borel aboard), the last four of which were Grade 1’s. Two of those Grade 1 wins came against 3YO colts. Her Beyers are ascending, and she’s doing better than ever. Her top Beyer Speed Figure of 116 (earned in The Haskell last out) exceeds that of her competition by at least 6 points. She’s the controlling speed of the race, but can be equally effective if jockey Borel elects to press or stalk. She’s based at Saratoga and handles the track beautifully. She’ll be in receipt of 8 pounds from all of her competitors (118 vs. 126). While the older horses she faces are tough customers, none are world-beaters. Traditionalists and racebook bettors alike might argue that she’ll be intimidated by her elders of the opposite sex. Rachel breaks from post three, so there’s a chance she could get bounced around early. She’s never raced at Saratoga, (known as “The Graveyard of Favorites”), so her ability to handle the track under race conditions is still an unknown. Finally, she’ll be bet down to less than even money, thereby offering no wagering value. My recommendation: Make a token bet on her to win...at least you can say that you backed her on the day that she became a legend. The race immediately preceding The Woodward isn’t too shabby either. The Grade 1 Forego, carded as Race 9, features a pair of millionaires in Pyro (4-1) and Kodiak Kowboy (5-2). They break next to one another in posts 1 and 2 in this field of 12. Both favorites come from off the pace, so they may need racing luck to find their way around/through horses. I liked Pyro’s 7-furlong comebacker for new connections off a 9-month break. That race should have him set for a top effort. I’m betting him to win at odds of 7-2 or better. Best of luck as you bet on horse racing this weekend.
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.
