BC Classic, Saturday, November 7

Was all around the exactas with longshots in the money, but I never cashed on Friday.

In the Classic, I think that the pace will hurt Zenyatta with Giralamo, Quality Road and others. She hasn't been the distance and really doesn't have the right style for routes at Oak Tree. The likely favorite, Rip Van Winkle, did not look good at all this week according to the Daily Racing Form Clocker. So with those two horses questionable, the race looks wide open. Summer Bird is a dirt horse and didn't do well on synthetics before. Mine That Bird didn't look good all week and may just be too tired and too late for this pace.

I like 2 Colonel John who is inside in the catbird's seat. He is a horse for course and Gomez rides. With Mine That Bird on the rail, Gomez will get great position on the rail behind the speeds. I think he is the winner. Both 6 Richard's Kid and 5 Twice Over (GB) look like they are coming into the race in peak form. Both have a legitimate chance.

So here is what I will bet:

$5 Exacta box: 2-5-6

$2 Ex: 2-5-6 over 3-4-8

$1 Tribx: 2-5-6

Maybe a win bet on 2 if the odds remain high.

And likely more in the triple, hoping that there may be a scratch.

Good luck.

Mr. X