2011 Breeders' Cup Favorites: Uncle Mo Will Rise Above Stacked Field in Classic

Before we go too far, I would like for you to take a look at how Sportsbook set the odds for the Breeders' Cup Classic a little more than 24 hours before post time. 

Of course, this is all subject to change. Results and odds will vary based on which company you are looking at, but that's pretty close to what you're going to get.

Uncle Mo	2/1
Havre de Grace	3/1
So You Think	5/1
Flat Out	6/1
Game on Dude	10/1
To Honor and Serve	12/1
Stay Thirsty	12/1
Ruler on Ice	15/1
Drosselmeyer	15/1
Ice Box	30/1
Rattlesnake Bridge	30/1
Headache	30/1

For one, with a field of this size, a 2/1 to 30/1 jump between the horse that's favored and the greatest long shot is not that big of a jump. But if you eliminate the three 30/1 horses, you have a one to nine difference of 2/1 to 15/1. There are no rapid drops on that list. 

That is what we call a stacked field. Jerry Bossert of the New York Daily News identified Uncle Mo, Havre de Grace, Flat Out, So You Think and Game on Dude as horses that can not only win the race, but Horse of the Year honors if they do. 

So what is my point? Well, despite the stacked field, and the fact that there wouldn't be a single tremendous upset in this field, Uncle Mo will win. 

He's simply the best horse in the world right now. He was a Triple Crown favorite in the spring, but illness kept him from even racing in those races. 

But since then, he's regained his health, regained his weight and regained his winning form. 

On Saturday, he will win at the same venue that he should have won at in May's Kentucky Derby. 

Until I am given a reason to go against a healthy Uncle Mo, I won't do it. Right now, the horse is healthy and I haven't been given that reason.

He'll win the Classic on Sunday and trot away with Horse of the Year Honors. It won't make up for missing out on a Triple Crown chance, but it's a tremendous start.