
BC Friday Undercard Begins with Grade 2 Las Vegas Marathon
The Breeders Cup Friday undercard includes four stakes races October 31 at Santa Anita beginning with the Grade 2 $200,000 Las Vegas Marathon featuring a field of eight going a mile and three quarters on the main track.
With every runner in the field untested at the distance, the Las Vegas Marathon has all the makings of a crap shoot. To complicate matters, the runners demonstrating the best recent form are more accomplished on turf and synthetic footing than dirt. Big Cazanova is the 5/2 morning line favorite for trainer Peter Miller, and is cross-entered in the Breeders’ Cup Classic – although he would need a scratch from the main body of the field to gain entry to that race. Big Cazanova is just 1 for 11 on dirt including an eighth place finish in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup last time out. However, Big Cazanova has fared well on the Santa Anita dirt with a win and a third place effort at shorter distances.
Irish Surf gets class relief
Dan Hendricks will saddle Irish Surf (4/1), who has raced almost exclusively on turf and synthetics in 20 career starts. Irish Surf, a son of Giant’s Causeway, recorded a field-best 106 Beyer Speed Figure two starts back in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic run at a mile and a quarter on Polytrack despite finishing fifth in that race.
Mystery Train tries to find U.S. form
Mystery Train is also 4/1 on the morning line after finishing sixth in his last start – the Grade 1 Awesome Again. Mystery Train will be making the third start of his career in the United States after racing in South America.
Preakness Stakes Picks 2021
Preakness Stakes 2019 Future Bet Odds

After all the drama of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, the racing scene shifts to Pimlico Race Course in anticipation of the running of the 2019 Preakness Stakes. A couple of the high-profile contenders from the Derby are expected in the field, as well as a number of new shooters that add to the handicapping puzzle and could provide good betting value.
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