2009 Breeders Cup Predictions - Rip Van Winkle Odds

One of the favorites to win in 2009 Breeders Cup predictions is Rip Van Winkle who has morning line odds of 7-2. The horse is the second choice behind Zenyatta who is 5-2. Rip Van Winkle is getting a lot of attention in Europe and is actually the Breaders betting favorite in Britain. The horse will be ridden by John Murtagh and is trained by Aidan O’Brien. In his last start he won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Jockey Johnny Murtagh has a lot of faith in Rip Van Winkle and expects the horse to win on Saturday.

"I have always dreamed of winning the Classic. It is the best race and all of the best horses run in it. It is the one race I would love to win.” Murtagh said, "When you are sitting at home watching it on TV and the Classic comes along you do get that buzz. Come Saturday and for Rip to win it would be brilliant. You can see what it means to everyone at Ballydoyle and everyone is getting a buzz out of this." Rip Van Winkle may be over bet in 2009 Breeders Cup predictions. The horse is not the best one in Europe and may not even like the synthetic track at Santa Anita. He did not work well on Wednesday but Murtagh doesn’t seem to be worried. "He stays well and I think a mile and a quarter around here will be tailor-made for him. He is a horse I really like. He has a fantastic cruising gear and a great heart. If he can win this I think it will justify all the thoughts I have had of him.” Murtagh said.

"He would die for you and is all heart. He has got it all and there is no weakness with him. Zenyatta looks very good, but she hasn't run against the Rip yet." Another issue that makes Rip Van Winkle a risky bet is his hoof problems. His trainer, Aidan O’Brien says the horse can overcome them though and still win. That remains to be seen since the Classic is full of talented horses including the unbeaten Zenyatta who is 5-2 on the morning line, Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird who is 9-2 and Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird who is 12-1. Not to be forgotten are Colonel John, Richard's Kid, Gio Ponti, Einstein and Quality Road who are all 12-1 in Breeders Cup odds.

Franklin's Breeders Cup Predictions: The European star Rip Van Winkle could put a damper on many tickets as the second favorite since many handicappers seem to be overlooking him. How you can overlook any horse that won the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is beyond me but you can bet I will have a good amount of money on Rip to have at least a Win, Place or Show. My 2009 Breeders Cup prediction is to pair Rip Van Winkle in all your favorite exactas and trifectas tickets with Zenyatta, Summer Bird, Mine That Bird and even Colonel John at Bodog racebook.