Richard's Kid does it again to capture Pacific Classic

Horseracing Betting Lines

08/28/2010 - Del Mar, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Richard's Kid came from the back of the pack Saturday to successfully defend his crown in the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar. The victory puts Richard's Kid automatically into this year's Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs in November.

The Usual Q.T., the 3-1 program favorite, went off as the 5-2 top pick in the evenly-matched field of 10 older horses. The defending winner was 9-2 and Hold Me Back was sent off as the 5-1 third pick.

Isle of Giant's set the pace in the 1 1/4-mile Classic. Running behind him was Temple City, Hold Me Back and The Usual Q.T. Richard's Kid and jockey Mike Smith were next to last with San Diego Handicap winner Dakota Phone bringing up the rear.

Entering the far turn, Isle of Giant's still had the lead as Temple City drew even on the outside. Richard's Kid began putting in a run around the turn for home.

At the top of the stretch, six horses were across the track. Richard's Kid, trained by Bob Baffert, surged to the lead with less than 100 yards to run.

The five-year-old registered a three-quarters length victory over Crowded House with Dakota Phone rallying for third.

Rounding out the order of finish was Battle of Hastings, The Usual Q.T., Temple City, Isle of Giant's, Hold Me Back, Unusual Suspect and Hollywood Gold Cup champ Awesome Gem.

The time for the 20th Pacific Classic was 2:03.27 on Del Mar's synthetic surface.

Owned by Zabeel Racing, Richard's Kid becomes the third horse to win the stakes in consecutive years. Tinner's Way won back-to-back Classics in 1994 and 1995, and Skimming duplicated that feat in 2000 and 2001.

The win gives Mike Smith his third Pacific Classic victory. Along with the two victories aboard Richard's Kid, the Hall of Fame jockey also won the 2002 Classic with Came Home.

The five-year-old adds $600,000 to his earnings and becomes the newest thoroughbred millionaire. Richard's Kid is the winner of eight of 26 career races for $1,566,370.

Last month he was third in the Cougar II Handicap at Del Mar and earlier in July finished behind Awesome Gem and Rail Trip in the Hollywood Gold Cup.

His only win between the two Pacific Classics was in February's San Antonio Handicap at Santa Anita. Also this year, Richard's Kid was seventh in the Dubai World Cup.

Richard's Kid paid $11.60, $5.60 and $3.80. Crowded House returned $10.60 and $6.40, and Dakota Phone paid $4.80 to show.

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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