Breeders' Cup 2011: Bob Baffert Will Regain Success at Churchill Downs

Here's a general rule in horse racing: If you're trying to figure out which horse to bet on, take a look at the field and ask yourself one question.

Does Bob Baffert have any horses in this race?

If he doesn't, then you can move on to whatever formula you normally use. If he does, then go with the horse that he trains. 

Okay, it's not that simple—but the point is that Baffert has had an incredible career. That's largely because he's had a great stable of horses to train—which is no different this year. 

Baffert said as much to the Los Angeles Times:

"

I just happen to have a lot of good horses this year...and they’ve added a lot of races. I don’t want to go all the way over there with 30-to-1 shots. I have one horse who was a ‘win and in,’ Irish Gypsy in the Filly and Mare Sprint, so we’re there because it didn’t cost us a thing to get in. But that’s my longest shot.

"

Bodog lists Irish Gypsy as 20:1. That's certainly a long shot, but if that's your biggest long shot, then you have a good stable of horses. 

Now, if that's not enough for you, note one other thing: Baffert has 10 horses this year. If nothing else, the simple law of averages tells you that a trainer with Baffert's resume will generate some winners.

He brings in consistently good horses and has a resume unmatched in the sport. So, if you are stuck, betting on Baffert is really not a bad way to go. You won't win all of the time, but you'll win plenty.