Awesome Gem: Breeders Cup Predictions and Odds

The longest odds of any horse on Saturday for the Breeders Cup Classic belong to Awesome Gem who is 30-1. Trainer Craig Dollase will try and spring a huge upset in Breeders Cup predictions with Awesome Gem being the largest longshot in betting odds with Jockey David Flores on board. In his last start, Awesome Gem won the Hawthorne Gold Cup. The six year old gelding may be best remembered for losing two years ago in the Classic to Curlin and Hard Spun. The main problem for backing Awesome Gem in Breeders Cup odds is his record on synthetic tracks. He has just one victory in 16 starts on synthetic tracks.

Two years ago maybe Awesome Gem would have had a shot since two years ago he finished second in the San Diego Handicap, Pacific Classic and Goodwood. This time though in Breeders Cup predictions the horse doesn’t seem as strong but his trainer, Craig Dollase said the horse is ready. “I’ve got him in good form right now,” Dollase said. “Even his Pacific Classic [this year], where he ran seventh, he ran well that day; he just got in some trouble. He’s just one of those horses that doesn’t get his picture taken too often, but he’s usually there or thereabouts. If he could be there or thereabouts on Saturday, we’ll be very happy.” That doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement though and it would be a huge shock to see this horse hit the board in 2009 Breeders Cup odds.

Terry Finley, the president of West Point Thoroughbreds, said Awesome Gem is in good shape for a six year old horse. “He certainly doesn’t look like a six-year-old. He’s probably the equivalent a 36-year-old running back in the NFL. Every once in a while they’ll put a big game together.” Finley said, “Hopefully, he can do it again Saturday.” Awesome Gem is likely to go off at more than 30-1 and be the longest shot on the board. Zenyatta is the 5-2 morning line favorite followed by Rip Van Winkle at 7-2 and Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird at 9-2. A number of horses are at 12-1 in Breeders Cup betting including Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. Also at 12-1 are Colonel John, Richard's Kid, Gio Ponti, Einstein and Quality Road. Twice Over, Girolamo and Regal Ransom are 20-1.

Bergen's Breeders Cup Predictions: The 2009 Breeders Cup odds are wide open but in the case of Awesome Gem, they are not that open. The horse has finished in less than favorable positions in his last races and his record on turf doesn't impress me either. My 2009 Breeders Cup prediction is to pair Awesome Gem in a few exacta and trifectas not with your longshots like Gio Ponti and Einstein at Bodog racebook.