Breeders' Cup 2011: Secret Circle Will Give Preview of Sport's Future with Win

With the Breeders' Cup set to begin in a matter of hours, much of the attention is falling on some of Saturday's later races. But before we get to those, we need to take a look at some of Friday's races. 

So, let's take a look at the absolute first race of the event. At 4:10 p.m. EDT, the Juvenile Sprint will start the 2011 Breeders' Cup. This is the inaugural run.

Unfortunately for those of us who enjoy exciting races, the Juvenile Sprint is not likely to start with one of those. If Secret Circle has nothing else in his favor, know that he's Bob Baffert trained. While that's not a guarantee for success by any means, it's a nice start. 

Secret Circle has also been very impressive in two races, notching a 2-0 record in rather dominant fashion. 

There is only one thing working against Secret Circle on Friday. At 6:5 (according to Bodog), the potential for a big payoff is just not really there. 

If you're looking for a potentially big payoff with only a little bit of risk, there are better bets. Steve Haskin of Bloodhorse.com noted that Shumoos, who is currently listed at 15:1, is a horse that may be worth a play.

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"The main unknown factor in the race is the European filly Shumoos, who showed enough speed to finish second, beaten a nose, in the five-furlong Queen Mary Stakes (Eng-II) at Royal Ascot, and two races later winning the six-furlong Betfred Bonus King Sirenia Stakes (Eng-III) over the synthetic surface at Kempton."

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Yes, she's a wild card. A filly is generally a bit of an unknown quantity. But if you are going to put a bet down on a horse, you better do with some feeling that the horse will win. Frankly, I don't get that from any horse but Secret Circle. 

So, from a betting perspective, this may not be the best race. The clear favorite will give you the payoff of a clear favorite. 

But from a prediction standpoint, look for Baffert's success at Churchill Downs to continue in the Juvenile Sprint. Obviously, the horse is a young one. Don't be surprised if he turns this into greater success at that venue in the future.