Horse Betting World

Haskell Invitational G1

By Aaron S. Huber

In a racing season that has not yet seen a dominant 3 year old colt, this year’s edition of the Haskell will be a turning point for the division. Many of the best Triple Crown contenders, including the winners of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, will make their way to Monmouth Park in order to sort out the question of which colt is the best.

Super Saver

Since finishing a troubled 8th in the Preakness his training has been sporadic including a problematic workout on June 27th that featured separating from his workmate and head bobbing issues. Though he showed he could close in the slop at Churchill Downs, in the Preakness he stalked a hot pace and had nothing left in the tank at the end. It would be surprising if Super Saver can outlast this field which includes several deep closers. Expect this Derby winner to be over bet in the win, place, and show pools – a definite bet against. Del Mar Online Horse Betting

Lookin at Lucky

He showed everyone that he could handle a fast dirt track in the Preakness – erasing the one legitimate question mark about this horse. His last work was a bullet five furlongs over the PolyTrack at Del Mar in 58.60. Noting that this is one of the slowest tracks in the country one can only imagine how cranked up this horse would look on a conventional dirt surface. Lucky should be on all tickets and on top in the exotics.

Ice Box

Nick Zito’s horse ran great in the Derby and terrible in the Belmont . However, this stone cold closer may appreciate the track at Monmouth which has been kind to closers this year. Though he has talent, his erratic record makes me nervous about putting him on top. Consider for place and show, as well as exacta boxes. Saratoga Racing

Trappe Shot

You can’t go wrong by betting on horses that love to win, and Trappe Shot is a perfect four-for-four in 2010. However, he is also taking a huge step up in class making his graded stakes debut in one of the toughest Grade 1 events of the year. There’s nothing more dangerous than a late developing 3 year old, and no one knows how good this horse really is. He has been prepping for this race at Monmouth and seems to love the track. If you want to beat the likely favorite Lookin at Lucky with a price bet Trappe Shot to win.

First Dude

In the Preakness First Dude put in a game performance, and was only over taken by Lookin at Lucky at the top of the stretch. After setting fast fractions, he was still able to hold off the rest of the field to snag 2nd place. In the Belmont Stakes First Dude also ran right out to the lead. We may see a repeat of the Preakness with First Dude and Super Saver going to the front. This will create a perfect set up for the rest of the field to swallow them up. Leave off your tickets. Del Mar Horse Betting

Our Dark Night, Uptowncharlybrown, & Afleet Again

These three colts round out the field, and are simply outclassed against the better competition mentioned above. The versatile Afleet Again had his last win back in April at Aqueduct in the Withers (G3) where he upset the field at 23-1. However, the only time he has won at over a mile was as a two year old, and has never raced at this distance.