2009 Breeders Cup Odds: Regal Ransom

The horse that should go to the early lead on Saturday in the Breeders Cup Classic is Regal Ransom. Most people don’t believe the horse can carry that speed to the finish though as he is listed at 20-1 in 2009 Breeders Cup odds. The horse is trained by Saeed bin Suroor and will be ridden by Richard Migliore. The horse did win his last start in the Super Derby but finished eighth in his only previous start at Santa Anita. Migliore is optimistic that Regal Ransom can do well for Godolphin.

It's been a lot of fun for me to be here the last three weeks and be a part of it, to see how they've come together for these races,” Migliore said. “As a group I don't think they could be doing any better. It's been very educational for me to see the process, how they've got them peaking at the right time.” Regal Ransom won the $2 million UAE Derby before finishing eighth in the Kentucky Derby. The horse did win the Grade II Super Derby but this is a huge step up in class from that race heading into 2009 Breeders Cup odds as a 20-1 longshot. The only positive for Regal Ransom is his early speed but there are so many closers in the Classic it seems very unlikely he can hold them off and get the win. One of the best closers is Zenyatta and she is the 5-2 favorite in the 2009 Breeders Cup Classic.

If Regal Ransom sets a good pace the race will set up for Zenyatta or possibly for Mine That Bird who loves to come from the clouds. Calvin Borel has the rail with Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird who is 12-1. The second betting choice in Breeders odds is the European horse Rip Van Winkle who is 7-2. Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird is the 9-2 third choice. There are six horses that are listed at 12-1 in Breeders Cup betting including the previously mentioned Mine That Bird. Also at 12-1 are Colonel John, Richard's Kid, Gio Ponti, Einstein and Quality Road. The longshots at 20-1 are Twice Over, Girolamo and Regal Ransom. Awesome Gem is the biggest lonshot on the board at 30-1.

Whitmore's Breeders Cup Predictions: At 20-1, Regal Ransom doesn't look like much of a pick in 2009 Breeders odds. The horse did win the Super Derby but really doesn't have the speed to keep up with the favorites. The key for Regal Ransom will be the ability of Richard Migliore to hold off his horse from not jumping out to the lead. My 2009 Breeders Cup prediction is to pair Regal Ransom in a few longshot trifectas with Mine That Bird, Colonel John or Twice Over at Bodog racebook.