Breeders' Cup Preview: Surprise Sometimes Name Of The Game

Kentucky Derby winner Authentic will be there. So will Belmont Stakes champion Tiz The Law. And let's not forget Maximum Security, who finished first in the 2019 Kentucky Derby, only to be disqualified for interference.

The event: The 37th Breeders' Cup, Saturday at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky.

The prize: How about $6 million?

Of course, for winning bettors, it can be significantly more than that. There are five races in all, starting Friday and running through to the main event Saturday (5:13 p.m., EST, on NBC).

So on which thoroughbred is the smart money?

Well, as noted by TVG, Improbable is a strong probability with 5-2 odds. Tiz The Law comes in at 3-1, Maximum Security at 7-2, and Toms d'Etat and Authentic at 6-1 apiece. Overall, the field runs 10 deep.

While the odds are always helpful, history tells us that, uh, "dark horses" can turn into the best bets.

For instance, last year's winner, Vino Rosso, finished ninth in the 2019 Kentucky Derby. It's safe to say not many had him pegged to win the Classic. In other words, it's always wise to be prepared for a surprise.

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The Pick: I'm going with Authentic, despite his underdog status. He won the Kentucky Derby and finished second in the Preakness. Overall, he's raced seven times, won five and was runner-up in the other two. Translation: Take the thoroughbred who's always in the mix.

2020 Breeders' Cup Classic odds
Improbable (5-2)
Tiz the Law (3-1)
Maximum Security (7-2)
Tom's d'Etat (6-1)
Authentic (6-1)
By My Standards (10-1)
Tacitus (20-1)
Higher Power (20-1)
Global Campaign (20-1)
Title Ready (30-1)