RICHARD ENG:
Look out for Breeders' Cup long shots
I'm not pulling any punches this year about my Breeders' Cup picks. I want long shots and lots of them. If you want the BC favorites, look at the morning line. I'm playing "beat the chalk," except for Lost in the Fog (Sprint), who I think is just too fast.
If there's one day when horseplayers can turn a small bankroll into big profits, it's BC Saturday. Win one trifecta or Pick 3 and you'll probably win money for the day. Hit a couple of exotic wagers and you'll be in clover all winter.
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A reminder: Station Casinos is offering a $10,000 BC twin quinella wager.
Here are my picks for this year's BC:
j JUVENILE FILLIES -- Sensation (8-1) exhibits enormous raw talent and might be ready to go to the next level. Original Spin (6-1) attracts jockey Jerry Bailey, which tells me she's live. Long shot: Ex Caelis (15-1).
j JUVENILE -- Private Vow (8-1) is quickly improving but faces the toughest test of his brief career. First Samurai (8-5) is a deserving chalk and will be very tough. Long shot: Dr. Pleasure (20-1).
j FILLY & MARE TURF -- Wonder Again (8-1) loves soft ground and Belmont turf. Ouija Board (5-2) is the best filly in the race but comes with question marks; if she fails it's wide open. Long shot: Luas Line (15-1).
j SPRINT -- Lost in the Fog (1-1) is the day's most likely winning favorite.
He runs fast early, middle and late. Gygistar (12-1) has been miscast as a two-turn horse. Long shot: Imperialism (15-1).
j MILE -- Valixir (10-1) has good tactical speed and was the choice of Christophe Soumillon over Whipper.
Defending champion Singletary (8-1) never looked sharper than in winning the Oak Tree Mile. Long shot: Whipper (12-1).
j DISTAFF -- Stellar Jayne (5-1) is fresh and fit, so Frankie Dettori should ride her aggressively.
In the Gold (20-1) ran a breakthrough race in the Gazelle, is in rare form. Long shot: Sweet Symphony (8-1).
j TURF -- Azamour (5-1) heads a strong European turf team and will love the soft ground at Belmont. Bago (7-2), the 2004 Arc winner, has been unlucky not to win another race or two this year. Long shot: Better Talk Now (8-1).
j CLASSIC -- Starcraft (12-1) is a superstar overseas. The question is not about talent but whether he can handle the dirt. Saint Liam (3-1) is the right favorite and coming to the race beautifully. Long shot: Borrego (9-2).
Richard Eng's horse racing column is published Friday. He can be reached at rich_eng@hotmail.com.