Huge bet on Eagle Mountain slashes BC price

From William Hill

European Bookmakers William Hill have slashed Eagle Mountain’s odds from 16-1 to 7-1 for the Breeders’ Cup Turf following a massive gamble on the Mike De Kock inmate on Tuesday morning. The firm reported huge interest in the former Aidan O’Brien runner, and were forced to cut the four year old nine points in the betting for the Santa Anita contest.

Eagle Mountain made a stunning return from injury last Saturday, when breaking the course record on the Rowley Mile on his first run for the South African trainer. De Kock has confirmed that his stable star is likely to Santa Anita for the 12 furlong contest.

William Hill’s spokesman Tony Kenny commented “It was a stunning performance by Eagle Mountain at Newmarket on Saturday, and one that shows that he’s right back to his best” He continued “On his best form he would be right up there with the likes of Soldier Of Fortune and Duke Of Marmalade, and with doubts now surrounding the participation of the O’Brien duo – you can understand why the punters are starting to put their faith in Eagle Mountain”

Current Breeders' Cup odds:

Breeders' Cup Turf: 4-1 Soldier of Fortune, 5-1 Duke of Marmalade, Youmzain, 6-1 Red Rocks, 7-1 Eagle Mountain (from 16-1), 8-1 Grand Courturier, Vision D'etat, 10-1 Winchester, 12-1 Frozen Fire, 16-1 Doctor Dino, Red Giant, 20-1 Ask, Better Talk Now, Ideal World, 25-1 Champs Elysees, Dancing Forever, Drilling for Oil, Sun Classique, Quijano.

Breeders' Cup Classic: 3-1 Curlin, 4-1 Big Brown, 5-1 Henrythenavigator, 7-1 Duke Of Marmalade, 8-1 Colonel John, Go Between, 10-1 Commentator, 12-1 Well Armed, 14-1 Casino Drive, 16-1 Mambo In Seattle, 40-1 Mast Track.

Breeders' Cup Sprint: 4-1 Street Boss, 7-1 Bustin Stones, 8-1 Lewis Michael, 10-1 Fabulous Strike, 12-1 Elite Squadron, 16-1 Abraaj, In Summation, 20-1 First Defence, 25-1 Sir Gerry, 40-1 Idiot Proof.

Breeders' Cup Mile: 4-1 Henrythenavigator , Tamayuz, 5-1 Goldiva, 11-2 Ravens Pass, 8-1 Darjina (doubtful), Good Ba Ba, 10-1 Archipenko, Kip Devillle, Mount Nelson, 12-1 Jay Peg, 14-1 Spirit One (doubtful), Vodka, Whatsthescript, 16-1 Pressing (doubtful), 20-1 Einstein, Honour Devil, Linngari, 25-1 Daytona, Hyperbaric, Famous Name.

Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic: 11-10 Zenyatta (from 5-4), 4-1 Music Note, 5-1 Ginger Punch, 6-1 Carriage Trail (inserted), Cocoa Beach (from 7), 8-1 Hystericallady, 12-1 Country Star, 33-1 Little Belle (from 16), Wake Up Maggie (from 16), 50-1 Unbridled Belle (from 25).

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies: Evs Stardom Bound, 7-2 Rainbow View, 5-1 Dream Express, 6-1 Sky Diva, 8-1 CS Silk, 12-1 Doremifasollatido, 16-1 Persistently, 20-1 Jardin, 25-1 Be Smart, Evita Argentina, Palacio de Amour.

Punters say Frankel's record is safe

William Hill have been forced to cut the price on Aidan O’Brien failing to break the Bobby Frankel’s World record for most group 1 wins in a season from 5-4 to Even money. It’s the second day in a row that the bookmakers have seen money for that eventuality – having cut the price on O’Brien failing to reach the magical 26 Group/Grade 1 winner mark from 7-4 to 5-4 on Monday.

On the 14th of September Mastercraftsman became O’Brien’s 20th Group 1 winner of the season after his two year old won the National Stakes, and at that stage Hills made O’Brien a 1-8 chance to break Bobby Frankel’s record.

Last weekend, Halfway To Heaven registered the Wexford-man’s 21st Group 1 win of the season when taking the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, but his hot streak didn’t continue in France. The master of Ballydoyle sent over several of his high profile stars including Yeats, Mastercraftsman, Duke Of Marmalade and Soldier Of Fortune to France, but none of them were successful.

Aidan O’Brien is now a 8-11 chance with Hills to train 26 or more Grade or Group 1 winners this season, and Even money not to.

William Hill spokesman Tony Kenny commented “Time is beginning to run out for Aidan, and with the number of Group One opportunities beginning to diminish – you can understand why punters are beginning to oppose his bid to re-write the record books” He continued “The fact that he failed to win any of the top grade prizes at Longchamp was a massive blow to his record bid, and with the season beginning to come to a close - Bobby Frankel’s total is beginning to look insurmountable”