Best Breeders’ Cup 2021 Long Shots: 3 Horses You Should Bet

By Chet Fussman Mar 14th, 2024 7:22 AM EDT

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History says most of the 14 horse racing betting favorites aren’t going to win the 2021 Breeders’ Cup races. So, here are three long shots worth a win bet, or can at least hit the board to spice up your exotic wagers at betting sites such as TVG and TwinSpires.

RELATED: Breeders’ Cup 2021 Odds, Tips & Complete Betting Preview

Royal Flag (8-1, Distaff)

Distaff favorite Letruska has 17 wins in 22 career starts, including five in a row, and will be the clear betting choice. Royal Flag doesn’t have nearly the same credentials, but is worth a look at perhaps double-digit odds. Letruska beat Royal Flag in the Personal Ensign at Saratoga two months ago, but only by a half-length, and Royal Flag endured a wider trip.

There appears to be enough pace in the Distaff to benefit a closer like Royal Flag, who will be rallying late at her optimum 1 1/8-mile distance. Throw in trainer Chad Brown, who has 15 career Breeders’ Cup victories, and Royal Flag is an inviting value. We’ll bet her at TVG.

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Fast Boat (12-1, Turf Sprint)

With 10 wins and only one second in 27 lifetime starts, Fast Boat seems like one of those all-or-nothing horses. In six starts this year, he has three wins and three off-the-board finishes. While the 6-year-old lacks consistency, there are things to like.

He can win at any track and seems best-suited to Del Mar’s short Turf Sprint distance of 5 furlongs. His off-the-pace style means he needs a fast pace to run at (which he will get) and a clear, untroubled trip (which he may not). Fast Boat’s last six races included six different jockeys. The best of those six races was with Tyler Gaffalione, who is back aboard on Saturday. Bet him at TwinSpires.

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Raging Bull (15-1, Mile)

On his best day, Raging Bull was among the most accomplished turf milers in training. A three-time Grade I winner, Raging Bull’s best days are behind him and last year he finished a non-threatening 10th in this same race at Keeneland. But that was from a difficult outside post.

This time, Raging Bull draws better (post 4). His last two races were disappointing, but the two before that were fast enough to win this. Most bettors will dismiss him, but that’s dangerous for any horse trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Irad Ortiz. Perhaps Raging Bull, who prefers firm turf like Del Mar, has one more huge race left in him. If so, his backers could be well-compensated. {{TOPLIST_7ae193d06cbf718a5d2467bdda7b83dd}}

About the Author

Chet Fussman

More About Chet

Chet Fussman, a former horse racing writer and longtime sports editor of the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, is a poker and blackjack player and frequent sports bettor.