What the bookies think...
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The Classic
What's your stance on Uncle Mo? Do his stamina doubts mean you want to lay him, or do you fear his class?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Uncle Mo isn't ideally drawn although I wouldn't want to be a layer at odds of 4/1. He was an impressive winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile at the track and his pedigree suggests he could well stay the 1m 2f.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: You've got to respect him as a class act, but the combination of stamina doubts and that 12 stall mean we'd be happy to take him on. We pushed him to 4/1 on the back of the draw.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: We're a top priced 4/1 about Todd Pletcher's star. He's unproven at 10 furlongs and we're confident we can get him beat.
Pat Cooney, bet365: I'm a huge fan and he may just be the most naturally talented horse in the line up, but he has two big questions to answer, will he stay and is he really back to his best? I'm not sure about either so he has to be taken on in the betting.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Lay, lay and lay again. There's a massive question mark over him getting 10 furlongs and he's vulnerable.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: We have to take a few quid out of him. As far as we're concerned he's a speed horse, and his performance in the Wood Memorial earlier this year backs this up. He was running on fumes after the mile & 1/16 pole and we can't see him lasting out ten furlongs in the Classic.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: His win in the Juvenile last year marked him down as a top class dirt horse and whilst there must be a concern over his stamina he is the one to beat.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Uncle Mo is the horse we definitely don't want winning here as he has been the subject of some major ante post bets. We are confident of getting him beat.
What about So You Think - do you think he will act on the dirt? Has there been plenty of money for him ante-post?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: So You Think, described as an incredible specimen by Aidan O'Brien is a big imposing horse and should be strong enough to cope with the dirt. Hopefully he can translate his form to the different surface - we have tried to keep him on side ante-post so we haven't seen a great deal of money.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: His pedigree doesn't really shout dirt to me and with the blinkers on as well I'd be sceptical about him. He has drifted a bit since the draw on Monday.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: Another one we are happy to lay. He's had a long season and may have been better suited to the turf. We hadn't seen much for him ante-post but since going non runner no bet on Monday we've fielded a few nice each-way bets. He's been pretty consistent in making the frame so that's understandable.
Pat Cooney, bet365: He reportedly worked well on dirt in Australia in his early days so he'll be fine on the surface. He always attracts plenty of money in his races, but the refitting of blinkers on him doesn't inspire me plus you wonder if this race is an afterthought for him, he's certainly been busy this autumn.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Compared to other ante-post markets involving So You Think it hasn't been particularly busy. He isn't bred for the dirt and the fact he tackles it for the first time must surely be a question mark but it takes a battle-hardened brute to win a Classic and this horse has it in spades.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: We've been happy to be top price about SYT coming into the race, and that hasn't changed despite landing a plum draw in stall 5. It's his first run on the surface and he's not bred for the dirt. He will be our worst result of the night by far, but after a long hard season, we hope this is a race too far.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: No on both counts: doubts over his participation, his ability to handle the surface and the fact that he has been on the go a long time and ran at Longchamp and Ascot has meant punters have deserted him so far; that does not mean he won't be backed on the night especially if it has been a bonanza meeting for Europe.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: So You Think looks an ideal type for the dirt and is the horse we have been ducking ante-post.
Is there a horse in the race you desperately don't want to win?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: We could do without Flat Out winning. We laid quite a few bets at double figures prices ante-post. I'd imagine So You Think will be popular with British and Irish punters on the day.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: For us it would still be So You Think. You just know the money will come for him on the night because he is high profile amongst the pub viewers. Punters know him far better than the Americans and it's a high calibre bullet.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: It's certainly not as popular a betting heat as last year when Zenyatta just failed to land the spoils, but I have no doubt come Saturday night we'll have Uncle Mo for plenty.
Pat Cooney, bet365: No it's been a good spread of business on the race. It seems that many others feel both So You Think and Uncle Mo are opposable and we've seen good money for most of the field so we've a reasonably good position on the race thus far.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Uncle Mo.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: So You Think.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Flat Out is our biggest loser; he ran poorly on his sole start at Churchill Downs and we think he is likely to be more effective at Belmont where he is two from two.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Uncle Mo.
The Mile
Goldikova - will she do it?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: She's had an identical preparation to last season but been beaten in three of her last four races. Maybe at the age of six she's just lost a bit of edge. I think she's vulnerable in such a competitive race.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: Yes. She's ultra consistent. She probably would have beaten Canford Cliffs at Royal Ascot if Peslier had drawn the correct weight, while seconds to Immortal Verse and Dream Ahead still make her the form choice. She excels round the two-turn mile, and this really is what she's been trained for all year.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: They all wanted the inside draw and that's exactly what she got. Everything would seem to be in her favour although her powers could be on the wane. Win or lose she'll be remembered as one of the greats.
Pat Cooney, bet365: Of course she will! This has been her target all season and connections seem happy enough. Stall one in a 13 runner race may present problems, but I believe in the old saying 'don't oppose champions!' so expect her to win her fourth Breeders' Cup race.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: She's got a decent draw and it would be an emotional win, but there has been evidence of vulnerability recently and she could be tested by Strong Suit whom we like a great deal.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: Punters certainly seem to think so as they have been helping themselves to plenty of the 5/2 we've had on offer since last week. Despite meeting defeat on her last two starts, she's running as well as ever and will be trained to the second for her most important race of the year. If she does it, we'll take it on the chin as it would be an outstanding achievement.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: It would be an extraordinary feat but is she quite as good as she was? Her draw on the face of it is excellent but she may need luck in running; heart says yes head says she will fall short. Interesting that old adversary Gio Ponti raced more prominently than is often the case last time.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Yes.
She drifted to 5/2 and bigger last week - did you see plenty of money for her at those kind of prices?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Yes, Goldikova is a popular horse and we saw interest at the bigger prices. She's currently 2/1 for a fourth successive win in the race.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: The Breeders' Cup meeting is not like Cheltenham for ante-post interest, but she will probably be one of the best backed horses on the night. We cut her to 2/1 after the draw, which is a very fair price.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: We took a few quid on the 5/2 and there certainly isn't any of that price left. She'll be well supported on Saturday and that could look very big come the off.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: We were happy to lay her at 3/1 after Strong Suit's Newmarket win and we laid plenty of her - it was something we knew was likely to happen and we were more than happy to do it.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: We pushed her out to 5/2 last week and she's been backed as if defeat is out of the question. She's a blot on our ante-post book and with her main rival, Strong Suit, drawn in the parking lot, we fear the worst!
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: The 9/4 was taken when punters saw her draw in comparison to Strong Suit. She is 2/1 now and I can't see her going off any bigger.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: She has been fairly weak - Strong Suit is the one the punters want.
How popular has Strong Suit been ante-post?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Strong Suit had been bought specifically for this race and was well fancied by connections; hence he was popular in the early ante post markets. However, he has been drawn wide in stall 11 and he has drifted slightly on the back of this.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: Punters were holding fire given connections voiced concerns over a possible outside draw, and he's got a right stinker in 11. However, his familiarity with backers will see him supported on the night.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: We first quoted him at 5/1 which was towards the bottom of the market, and we laid some 4/1 last week, but he was touching 11/4 by the weekend. The draw has come as a bit of a hammer blow to the Hannon team stating "they could not think of anything worse" when asked about it. Goldikova got it done from stall 11 last year though.
Pat Cooney, bet365: His recent wins have been visually impressive but he still rates below Goldikova on European form and may well be poorly drawn out wide in stall 11. He's been easy to back in the market and he looks like a market drifter to me.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Not very strong at all, as we've been keen to duck him. We like what we've seen of him this season and a mile at Churchill should be just about within his range.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: We have kept Strong Suit on our side since we opened our book so we've not seen much money for him. Unfortunately, a nightmare draw in 11 has probably put paid to his chances.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Very poor race he won last time atNewmarket and was pushed out to 4s from 3s when the draw was announced; yet to win over a mile and we are keen to take him on.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Very.
The Juvenile
How popular have the Aidan O'Brien-trained duo Crusade and Daddy Long Legs been?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Aidan O'Brien's horses are always popular and Crusade and Daddy Long Legs with their US pedigrees have been no different. We expect Royal Lodge winner Daddy Long Legs under Ryan Moore to be the more popular of the two on the day.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: The market's really only just taking shape. But you know both will be popular on the night. My preference would be for Crusade who has a dirt pedigree and in Julien Leparoux an outstanding jockey.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: We haven't seen much action for this pair. There's an interesting jockey booking for Crusade with Julien Leparoux bringing his excellent Breeders' Cup form to the table which could no doubt prove vital.
Pat Cooney, bet365: They are both good results for us at present, but can certainly be given e/w chances, however I'd be surprised if they won as there are some pretty smart local runners in this, notably Union Rags and Creative Cause.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: It's not been the hottest ante-post market but Crusade is intriguing with a similar profile to Johannesburg who turned over the US hotpot Officer a few years ago. His Middle Park win was no fluke.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: Punters appear to be keeping their powder dry for now as we've not seen any eye-catching money for either horse. With both horses unproven on the surface, and a number of strong American contenders, this race is there for the taking for the home team.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Not a big betting race at present; Crusade didn't appear to get 7f at Newmarket so we are surprised he is stepped up to a mile; Daddy Long Legs has a poor draw to overcome but looked very good in the Royal Lodge and looks bred for the dirt.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Not very.
Union Rags is around 2/1 in the betting - is he a favourite you'll want to lay or avoid?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Unions Rags is three out of three and he showed a smart turn of foot last time after meeting trouble- he's one I'd want to avoid.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: An American horse people don't really know a great deal about heading the market in a race featuring a pair of O'Brien's. That a no-brainer. Take him on!
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: He hasn't put a foot wrong but there are a few likely improvers in the race and we are happy to get some in the book at that price.
Pat Cooney, bet365: He's been the most impressive Juvenile colt in the States this season. I don't think he'll change much from his current 2/1 quote but if I had to do anything at that price it would have to be to lay him. It's a Championship race with several talented rivals but one things for sure, whoever wins this becomes favourite for next year's Kentucky Derby.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Lay.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: As a bookmaker you have to lay every favourite to a certain extent, but this is not a horse we want to get on the wrong side of. He overcame a troubled passage to win the Champagne Stakes by 5¼ lengths on his last outing, and we're certain there's more in the locker. He looks a worthy favourite but don't rule outCreative Cause.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Has looked a potential superstar and one we are not keen to lay particularly; his victory at Belmont last time was top class and a repeat would make him very hard to beat.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Lay.
The Turf
Which horse do you think will go off favourite for the Turf?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: I think Sarafina, beaten favourite in the Arc and solid Group One performer will go off favourite and justify favouritism.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: Can't see why Sarafina shouldn't.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: Sarafina looks certain to go off favourite for this she's been well supported since the Arc when perhaps the going wasn't quite to her liking.
Pat Cooney, bet365: I'll side with Sea Moon. Punters know that Sir Michael Stoute has such a good record in this race. He may have had a poor season by his usual hight standards but he's good a big chance here.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Absolutely impossible to say at this stage as it's the most wide open. It wouldn't suprise me if Sarafina attracts last minute support - she's the class act in the race.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: It's nip and tuck at the top of the market between Sarafina and Sea Moon, but we expect the money to come for the French filly before the off.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Having gone off favourite for the Arc Sarafina with a plum draw this time is likely to go off jolly but like with all the Europeans she would like to see plenty of rain which is forecast for Thursday.
James Knight, Coral: Sarafina.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Sarafina without doubt.
What price a European-trained 1-2-3?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: It would be a very short price - it's 6/1 for a non-European horse to win.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: Dean's Kitten, sixth best in, is surely the only possible candidate to prevent it.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: The yanks don't have a lot so this looks a good thing. We bet a prohibitive 4/9.
Pat Cooney, bet365: It's a certainty! 12 furlongs on turf is completely the opposite of normal US racing.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: No price at all. The American turf horses are moderate at best.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: A European-trained trifecta is nailed on. The home team look out of their depth, and in all honesty, it would be a shock to see an American horse finish in the first five.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Given they have the first five in the betting very very short!!
James Knight, Coral: The home challenge looks desperately weak and it would be disappointing if the Europeans didn't fill at least the first 3 places.
The Sprint
Has Big Drama been popular for the repeat win?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Big Drama did nothing wrong last year running out a convincing winner. He has been well backed to follow up this success.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: The early signs are that he will certainly be popular on the night.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: Not really. People seem to be looking elsewhere on this one with Euroears and particularly Amazombie (who ran on well at Santa Anita last month to claim a nice Grade One) attracting most of the ante-post cash.
Pat Cooney, bet365: He's been a solid favourite throughout the ante-post market, and he'll probably remain at the headof the market but we've seen good money for several others in this, Euroears and Jackson Bend in particular, so it should be a thriller.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Yes. But Amazombie is a big threat in my opinion.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: In a word: friendless. We have not seen a bean for the reigning champ. He has seen the racecourse only twice since last year's victory and punters are clearly reluctant to get involved at around 3/1. 99% of the money we've taken has been on Euroears.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Having missed his prep run he is not as popular as you would expect having been so impressive in corresponding race last year and 2:2 in 2011; Euroears 8s into 4s is by far the best backed horse in the run up to the race.
James Knight, Coral: No; on the back of only two runs in the past 12 months in weak races punters are clearly wary of his current wellbeing.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: No.
The Juvenile Turf
Caspar Netscher has had a cracking juvenile campaign in England - will he stay the mile and has he been popular ante-post?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Caspar Netcher has had a very busy juvenile campaign but still looked to have improved with an eye-catching run last time. The sharp track will help but I'm not totally convinced he will stay the mile. Our customers seem to agree - he's been fairly quiet in the ante-post books despite the booking of Kieren Fallon.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: The track and his style of running would appear to give him every prospect of staying, and with Kieren Fallon riding he will be one punters will latch on to.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: His Middle Park fifth would almost certainly have been a win but for a luckless run and perhaps this has good a bit unnoticed. We are right down the bottom of the market with him. He could give his young sire Dutch Art a big winner in his first season at stud.
Pat Cooney, bet365: He certainly runs as though a mile round a turn will be OK and the presence of K Fallon will ensure he'll be well backed but I just don't see him winning after such a long campaign here.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: This isn't a red-hot ante-post race and it's only the second race of the night so momentum isn't likely to have built up. A mile will stretch him and might be a furlong too far.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: We opened our book on this event following the draw, and even with Caspar landing a decent berth, punters are hardly falling over themselves to take our 8/1 quote. Despite finishing well in the Middle Park over six furlongs, we think the extended mile will find him out.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Given a poor ride last time and backed from 8s into 13/2; would be a great story but highly unlikely to stay.
James Knight, Coral: It's an easy mile and was staying on late in the Middle Park so we would have few worries about him staying the trip.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: No.
Farraaj represents Roger Varian - who would you side with in a Caspar Netscher v Farraaj match bet?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Farraaj should appreciate the step up in trip and is narrowly preferred.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: There's a good vibe coming from Churchill about Farraaj but Caspar Netscher has the edge on form. He probably could have won the Middle Park but for getting blocked.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: Farraajis certainly a classy colt but we'd favour Alan McCabe's charge in that one. We bet Caspar Netscher 8/11 v Farraaj 11/10 in a match.
Pat Cooney, bet365: I'll take Farraaj as he's the fresher after a lighter campaign.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Caspar N would shade it, but the differential in odds over in the USA is way too big. Farraaj at 15/1 Stateside is a huge price and a bit of an insult.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: We have both feet fully in the Farraaj camp. Caspar may have more experience but Farraaj has an abundance of potential. With his last race working out so well, we'll be pretty gobsmacked if he can't dish out a beating to Alan McCabe's stable-star.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Farraaj is guaranteed to stay and will appreciate the forecast ground; he can land the match bet but neither strike me as being good enough.
James Knight, Coral: One of the lads on the desk is particularly sweet on Farraaj's chances. His eyecatching run against the bias at Newmarket last time was all the more impressive in the wake of the subsequent efforts of Crusade and Zip Top in Group One races.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Farraaj.
The Marathon
How popular have the European-trained horses Meeznah and Brigantin been?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Brigantin has been the more popular of the two. A. U. Miner has also been popular after he looked an unlucky loser in this race last year.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: For us it will be about Harrison's Cave.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: Meeznah has been somewhat friendless in the market but if at her best on Saturday she'd take a lot of beating. Brigantin has been popular this morning, a nod perhaps to his form with Dunaden who picked up the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday morning in a thrilling finish.
Pat Cooney, bet365: It's been the quietest race of the meeting so far and it's always a race that's prone to throw up a shock result. It's rare to have a race in the US over 1m6f so I wouldn't be surprised what wins.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: They're both 6/1 chances in a race that doesn't ordinarily set the pulse racing.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: In the grand scheme of things, this is one of the sleepier events in terms of turnover. Traditionally, one of the weaker Breeders' Cup events, punters' attention seems to be focused on the higher-profile races. Brigantin is an out-and-out plodder and the worry for his fans is the 14 furlong trip may be too sharp. Meeznah certainly has the ability to win, but she is becoming increasingly hard to predict and is without her regular pilot Frankie Dettori.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Not very with doubts surrounding the ability to handle the surface for the former (fast ground essential on turf) and the trip for the latter although his CV now shows a win over a Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden over two miles earlier in the year. Historically not a big betting race first on the card and British racing coming to a close and punters settling down for the evening.
James Knight, Coral: This race doesn't belong on a Breeders' Cup card and there has been minimal interest in the race despite us being top price about both these runners.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Meeznah has been the more popular of the two.
The Ladies' Classic
Who do you fear most out of Plum Pretty and Royal Delta?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: It's atricky one to call having both beaten each other this year. I'd slightly favour course winner Plum Pretty who thrashed some decent rivals last time.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: Who!? They're not exactly household names so we won't be losing any sleep over either of them.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: There isn't much in it to be honest. Royal Delta has seen a little more support than Plum Pretty but we have been quite short on it. William Mott is bidding for back to back wins in the race having scored last year with Unrivalled Belle so I'd expect to see punters latch on to that on Friday night.
Pat Cooney, bet365: I'm a Plum Pretty fan and reckon she's a worthy favourite but it's been interesting to see the support for Royal Delta as she continues to work well on this track.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Plum Pretty - definitely. We've got her at half the price of Royal Delta.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: Bill Mott has farmed this race in recent times, winning it three times, including last year with Unrivaled Bell. He brings Royal Delta to the party this time around and has made no secret of the fact she is working as well as any of his previous winners. That's good enough for us.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Plum Pretty very impressive in the Kentucky Oaks and although Royal Delta holds a verdict over her we think Plum Pretty is the one to beat; It's Tricky not without her supporters as well.
James Knight, Coral: Neither, they both look vulnerable. At the current prices we'd be keener on the chances of the ultra-consistent Ultra Blend.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Plum Pretty.
The Filly & Mare Turf
Which horse do you think will go off favourite for the F&M Turf?
Ken Dickson, Sky Bet: Nahrain is unbeaten but will have to step up and prove herself over this trip. I would expect Stacelita to go off a worthy favourite on her performances for Chad Brown this year.
Darren Haines, Paddy Power: Stacelita.
Garry McGibbon, Stan James: It looked certain to be Stacelita at the end of last week but the support for Nahrain has been non-stop and there isn't much between them now with us.
Pat Cooney, bet365: Hard to choose between Stacelita who has high-class French form and has impressed in the US lately but I think the public will make Roger Varian's Nahrain favourite as she's unbeaten in all 4 races and the booking of Frankie Dettori is a big plus.
David Williams, Ladbrokes: Nahrain.
Andrew Griffiths, Betfred: Considering Nahrain was available at 8/1 in places before the draw, the fact her price has collapsed all the way into 100/30 strongly suggests she will go off favourite. Make no bones about it, this is a major gamble and if she does the business on Friday it will be a very expensive result for us.
Charlie McCann, Victor Chandler: Stacelita looks well drawn and has won 10 of her 17 starts; she looks the one to beat. Unbeaten Nahrain will have to improve again and is another who would appreciate plenty of rain on Thursday.
James Knight, Coral: Stacelita, certainly on the local tote and likely on the Industry prices too.
Padraig Hassett, Boylesports: Nahrain has been the one for money with us.
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