Zenyatta 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic Odds Would Pay Out Better Than Even

Written by :

Ean Lamb

Published on :

4 November, 2010

Zenyatta may be the most acclaimed horse at this weekend’s 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic (actually the most acclaimed horse of the century), but that being the case, her payout odds have amazing value. Zenyatta would pay out $100 for every $100 bet at BetUS.com.

Zenyatta has captured the attention of the world with a record that is better than the 1972 Miami Dolphins perfect team, the New England Patriots in 2008, and even that soothsaying oracle that perfectly picked all his games at this past summer’s FIFA World Cup, Paul The Octopus. Zenyatta is a perfect 19-0 coming into this race.

All 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic Odds Appear Below And Can Be Bet Here

1 Quality Road +600

2 Paddy O'Prado +1400

3 Haynesfield +1000

4 First Dude +2000

5 Blame +450

6 Fly Down +1500

7 Musket Man +2500

8 Zenyatta +100

9 Pleasant Prince +3000

10 Etched +2000

11 Espoir City +1600

12 Lookin at Lucky +450

Foaled in 2004, Zenyatta is owned by Jerry Moss and his wife Ann and trained by John Shirreffs and has been ridden by American "Hall of Fame" jockey Mike Smith for 16 of 19 starts. According to a segment that aired on 60 Minutes last week, Zenyatta was purchased at the low price of $60,000 because she suffered from a form of ringworm

Zenyatta’a presence in this Saturday’s Breeder’s Cup race will likely make this one of the most bet on Breeder’s Cup Classics ever.

“It’s doubtful the betting action will be anything like what we see with the Kentucky Derby, but there should definitely be a noted improvement,” says Don Shapiro of Gambling911.com.

The Kentucky Derby and Super Bowl typically rank as the most wagered on single day events of the year, and it is these two events that draw the most traffic to the Gambling911.com website.

“The Breeder’s Cup is not among the bigger betting draws when compared to other major sporting events,” Shapiro points out.

It does draw the largest purses and has the biggest handles nonetheless.

But Zenyatta is providing a domino effect.

"You have more opportunity as a handicapper to get very good odds on a very good horse than anywhere else and at any other time of the year," said Greg Avioli, CEO of the Breeders' Cup, in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer. "And, as a result, you see major [bettors] playing more on these races than at any other time."

Some have their doubts about Zenyatta being able to win this race. The biggest concern perhaps is Zenyatta moving from a synthetic race surface to the dirt of Churchill Downs.

"I'm a value guy. I look for price," said Las Vegas Hilton horse handicapper Charlie Ludlow in an interview with the Inquirer. Ludlow correctly picked the exacta in this year's Kentucky Derby. "B"She dominated on the dirt at Oaklawn [in Arkansas].”

Additionally he points out that the Churchill stretch run will allow Zenyatta to do what she does best; come from behind.

Zenyatta does of some tough competition.

"I think a couple of horses are going to go for it, including First Dude and Espoir City," Ludlow said about a fast early pace. "And I think Blame and Quality Road will try to keep up. But for Zenyatta [who always trails anyway], that won't make a lick of difference."

Other 2010 Breeders’ Cup Odds: Top Two Finishers

1 Quality Road +170

2 Paddy O'Prado +400

3 Haynesfield +335

4 First Dude +500

5 Blame +150

6 Fly Down +500

7 Musket Man +700

8 Zenyatta -300

9 Pleasant Prince +1000

10 Etched +800

11 Espoir City +550