Early Breeders’ Cup Thoughts and The Ravens Run

The Breeders’ Cup is just about two weeks away. It is time to start developing a game plan and strategy if you want to be prepared for the multitude of wagering options you will be faced with over the two-day event.

One thing I am doing and have been doing is watching a lot of replays and taking a lot of notes. Your eyes and personal observations can give you an edge and allow you to spot something others might not see.

It is not a bad idea to also think about the type of wagers you are going to focus on. It is always wise to put the better part of your bank roll towards your strongest opinions and the wagers you have the most success with. People tend to focus on the multi-race bets but that is not always the best option. We are going to have a lot of good horses competing in tough races. The more races you bet the greater chance you get hit with an upset. If you like a horse or a race, I suggest going after it alone. You can add a muti-race wager but if your key horse or race hits, make sure you capitalize.

When the pre-entries come out start at least perusing the past performances. Don’t go in with any bias or preconceived opinions. Let the race play out how it plays out not how you expect it to play out now two weeks in advance without knowing things we’ll learn over the next few weeks.

Don’t forget post position is crucial at certain distances at Santa Anita. The mile is a two-turn race on dirt and grass and outside draws are less than ideal.

On Saturday at Keeneland I think we might be able to pad the Breeders’ Cup bank roll a bit.

The Ravens Run looks like it drew enough speed to get Vahva a perfect stalking trip. She should be in the garden spot when the real race starts, and she is a talented filly who is still getting better. I’ll be taking a nice shot with Vahva to boost the ammo for the big dance. Let’s hope they blaze early, but nobody runs them off their heels. That should put her in the right spot.