11/1/2012 - With no International horses contesting the Classic this year, some will say that this years Classic is below par. However, we are left with a solid field of American horses left to fight out this years event.
Game on Dude has the best credentials coming in as he has earned nearly $3 million in purse money, finished 2nd in last years Breeders Cup Classic at Churchill Downs and he is 5 for 5 at Santa Anita. After a loss in the Pacific Classic, his trainer Bob Baffert switched riders to Rafael Bejarano. Bejarano delivered in his first ride with an easy win over this racing surface in the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes. Game On Dude will be favored in this event and his form is well exposed. He does have a solid winning chance, yet the price will be too short for a bet.
Flat Out is a likely challenger in this race, he has earned over $2 million in purse money and come off of a game win in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cub at Belmont Park. He recently changed barns and has been trained in his last 3 starts by the clever Will Mott. Will Mott won this same race last year, with Drosselmeyer. Flat Out is ridden by Joel Rosario who has won many races at Santa Anita and knows this track well.
Another Contender is Mucho Macho Man. He is a big strapping looking 4 year old colt that consistently gives a genuine effort in his races. His races are nicely spaced and in 5 starts this year he has won 3 races and finished in the money the other 2 starts. He has beaten Ron the Greek before and comes off a close loss in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes.
As far as long shots go, look for Pool Play, Alpha and Richards Kid to round out your tickets and offer good value.
The Classic is prone to upsets, so don't be surprised if Game on Dude were to lose. Although he does have solid credentials coming in. By Kerry Zangara
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