World Thoroughbred Championships 2001


You can call horse racing's richest Saturday the World Thoroughbred Championships or the Breeders' Cup, but the eight stakes by any name are still exciting.

Two years ago, I covered the BC at Gulfstream Park in South Florida. I didn't do badly, winning several exactas.

Last year, my handicapping was atrocious. I didn't pick a winner. Luckily, I watched the races on TV in Houston where I attended the wedding of my wife's niece. And didn't make a single bet.

This year, I hope to do better. I shall put my money where my mouth is. And I shall wager something on every race at Belmont Park from Retama Park just outside San Antonio. Here goes:

*Distaff: Tranquilty Lake draws the rail and just might wire the field. Inside posts do well so Flute and Exogenous are dangerous. An exacta may produce a nice payoff. Longshot: Two Item Limit.

*Juvenile Fillies: You has worked wonderfully and should avoid trouble in a small field. Exacta over Habibti and Tempera is my play. Longshot: Take Charge Lady.

*Mile: Forbidden Apple breaks from the rail where no horse has won, but this is my hunch play of the day; 7-1-1 of 11 at Belmont with four victories from the inside two posts bodes well. Affirmed Success or Noverre can complete the exacta. Longshot: Navisink.

*Sprint: Swept Overboard despite an outside post can triumph because there's too much speed up front. Caller One could steal it and Kona Gold will be in the money. Longshot: Bet on Sunshine.

*Filly & Mare Turf: England's Legend can buck the trend that only outside posts capture this race; 1-1 of 2 at Belmont and 2-1 of 3 at 1 ¼ miles. Lailani or Starine should fill the exacta. Longshot: Spook Express.

*Juvenile: Officer looks too good to be true, but just may be the colt to beat. Unbeaten Johannesburg is first-time Lasix and Siphonic has the fastest closing fraction at 1 1/16 miles. Longshot: Essence Of Dubai.

*Turf: Fantastic Light is the class since Sahkee went to the Classic. With Anticipation, however, could steal it on the front end since breaking from the inside post and Mutamam is 6 of 11 at 1 ½ miles. Longshot: Chorwon.

*Classic: Guided Tour is another hunch bet who had a troubled trip last year, but comes up to the big one in fine form and draws a favorable post. Aptitude has an awful post, but should hit the board and Galileo is classy enough to surprise. That should fill my exacta. Longshot: Include.
The copyright of the article World Thoroughbred Championships 2001 in Horse Racing is owned by Greg Melikov. Permission to republish World Thoroughbred Championships 2001 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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