Going head to head on the Breeders’ Cup card
Our handicappers break down the races — and rip each other in the process
 Jacob de Golish / AP Zenyatta was the early favorite to win the Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday. |
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NBCSports.com handicappers Mike Brunker and Vic Zast are renewing their horse-picking rivalry for this weekend's Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.
At risk: Bragging rights until next year’s renewal.
After Friday's races, Brunker is leading Zast, 59 to 50, with points awarded on this scale: 10 points for a win, 5 points for a place and 3 points for a show.
SATURDAY'S RACES
Classic
Zast: When it comes to big races, Mike always avoids the obvious. This tragic handicapping flaw will prove his undoing in our head to head competition.
The obvious comes down to Rip Van Winkle, Zenyatta and Summer Bird. The upsetter is Twice Over. I’m going to gamble on a combination of both. Betting that Zenyatta’s home advantage will push her past Summer Bird, the unbeaten Street Cry mare will be the first American-based runner in this year’s finale to fly past the finishing post, right behind Rip Van Winkle and Twice Over. The eventual winner hasn’t always been sound, but he’s talented. The eventual second placed horse can win a beauty pageant.
1. Rip Van Winkle
2. Twice Over
3. Zenyatta
Brunker: Vic, aka Captain Obvious, can put as much of his money as he likes on Rip Van Winkle’s nose. My cash will not be following a horse with chronic foot problems, no matter how good he is when he’s right. And speaking of the obvious, what about the horse who is 2-for-2 at the distance since disappointing in the Kentucky Derby, Summer Bird. I think he’s the horse to beat, notwithstanding his lack of experience on the synthetics. And if he doesn’t fire his best shot, I look for Zenyatta to make some history by running by them all in the stretch. Twice Over??? He’s looked good this year in Europe only because he’s been dodging the big horses like Sea The Stars. He wouldn’t be favored in the Turf, so why pick him here?
1. Summer Bird
2. Zenyatta
3. Einstein
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