Field Wild Open in Breeders Cup Turf Sprint
With just two days to go before the 2010 Breeders' Cup kicks off in Churchill Downs, betting fans are considering the fields of all 16 BC races, but the BC Turf Sprint (Gr 2) could be tough to call.
Scheduled for Saturday, November 6 over 5 furlongs, the $1 million BC Turf Sprint has attracted a field of 15 three-year-olds and up (including one also-eligible). However, looking at the field there are few stand-outs.
Although Silver Timber has been installed as the early 4/1 favourite by oddsmakers, the race is pretty much wide open and thus tough to handicap. That said, Silver Timber will have champion jockey Julien Leparoux up.
In addition, despite the fact he only finished sixth in this race last year, the 7-year-old gelding has had a decent 2010, having won four races including a 5 furlong sprint at Churchill Downs and a Gr 3 trip at Keeneland.
And while he is unlikely to be an early pacesetter in the BC Turf Sprint, Silver Timber could pick up the pieces if the frontrunners burn themselves out. Plus, in Silver's favour is the fact that he is fond of Churchill Downs.
But another runner to watch out for is 6/1 Rose Catherine, a 3-year-old filly from the stable of Tod Pletcher who, like Silver Timber, has proved to be effective over 5 furlongs, and has won 5 from 6 starts this year.
She'll start the race from post 9 with Javier Castellano aboard. Then at 12/1, it's unlikely defending champion California Flag will finish in the money, but who can forget his lightning fast victory last year under Joe Talamo?
Here is the complete field and odds for the 2010 BC Turf Sprint:
- Chamberlain Bridge (KY) 6/1
- Central City (FL) 12/1
- Stradivinsky (FL) 10/1
- Unzip Me (CA) 8/1
- Silver Timber (NY) 4/1
- Waveline (CA) 20/1
- Bridgetown (FL) 12/1
- Quick Enough (CA) 8/1
- Rose Catherine (KY) 6/1
- Due Date (KY) 15/1
- Grand Adventure (KY) 12/1
- California Flag (CA) 12/1
- Tropic Storm (FL) 15/1
- Canadian Ballet (NY) 20/1
- Also eligibles: - Yield Bogey (KY) 50/1
