Breeders’ Cup Classic Preview – Casino Drive
Japanese Entry Casino Drive 8/1 Favorite to Win 2008 Breeders Cup Classic
Casino Drive
Japanese-trained Casino Drive arrives lightly raced but undefeated leading up to his fourth career start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com list him at 10/1 alongside three other thoroughbreds, as well as among the first level of contenders behind 6/1 Raven’s Pass and heavy favorite, Curlin.
Bet the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic Championship
If it’s possible to show diverse skill in just three career starts, then Casino Drive has done it. After debuting in Kyoto, Japan with an 11½ length win over inferior competition, the horse shrugged off a 14-hour plane ride and a layover in Alaska to win by 5¾ in the grade II Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park. After missing the intended Belmont Stakes with a rear hoof bruise, Casino Drive prepped well for Saturday in winning an October 12 allowance race on the same Santa Anita synthetic surface that he will encounter in the Breeders’ Classic.
Handicappers looking for something more to hang their hats on might point to Casino Drive’s regal bloodlines. His sire is 2003 American Horse of the Year Mineshaft and his half-brothers are Belmont Stakes winners Jazil and Rags to Riches.
Others might point out this a vastly untested horse, considering he has never gone the distance and has never faced anywhere near the level of competition he will see on Saturday. Considering his undefeated record may attract considerable attention from bettors on race day, the risk may exceed the value and shrewd cappers may choose to look elsewhere.
By: CHRIS ROCCO
