Girolamo: 2009 Breeders Cup Betting Odds

One of the longshots on Saturday in the Classic is Girolamo at Breeders Cup betting odds of +2500. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor has said that the favored Zenyatta is the horse to beat but he likes his two horses, Regal Ransom and Girolamo. "I liked Regal Ransom when he was in Dubai. He is solid and tries hard. Girolamo is doing well and is in good condition. It is hard to choose between them as they are doing very well, but Girolamo is very good." Girolamo will be ridden on Saturday by jockey Alan Garcia.

The last time this horse raced was in the Jerome and he was a winner. In fact, this horse has won all three of this starts this year. In his career he is a perfect 4 for 5. The question with Girolamo is the distance which is one reason he is a longshot at +2500 in Breeders Cup betting. It should be noted though that although the horse has never run farther than a mile he was sired by A.P. Indy who had a lot of stamina. Girolamo is one of a few longshots odds for Saturday. Girolamo is the second longest shot in the field with jockey David Flores riding Awesome Gem at +3000.

Possible longshot trifecta bets with Girolamo could be Regal Ransom +2000 who will break with jockey Richard Migliore on board and Einstein +2000 with jockey Julien Leparoux. There a number of horses that are considered dark horse candidates to win. Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is +2000 with jockey Calvin Borel and Colonel John +1800 will be ridden by Garrett Gomez. Twice Over +1200 with jockey Thomas Queally and Quality Road +1000 with John Velazquez are both expected to run well. Richard’s Kid +1500 with Alex Solis aboard is also a solid pick but don't forget about Gio Ponti with Ramon Dominguez at +1200. The favorite on Saturday is the filly Zenyatta who is +300 with jockey Mike Smith. Rip Van Winkle with John Murtagh is next at +200 with Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird +600 with jockey Kent Desormeaux.

Franklin's Breeders Cup Predictions: It is good that a trainer has faith in his horse but let's be realistic now shall we? I understand Girolamo was sired by A.P. Indy but he has never ran past a mile. Don't get me wrong, he is a beautiful, powerful horse but I don't see him finishing with the best. My Breeders Cup pick is to pair Girolamo in a few longshot exactas and trifectas and don't count on much of a showing.