It’s no secret Las Vegas is a gambling city. It is staying true to its roots by betting big on a triumphant new year. This year arrives in the wake of the most challenging time in Las Vegas’ history. However, even when the chips are down, the city evolves to gain the winning hand. Las Vegas is welcoming visitors to see what is hot, new and ever-changing. The city invites you to come and bask in all of its simple pleasures.

At the heart of the strip, the newest kid on the block is The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The casino-resort celebrated its grand opening on Dec. 15, 2010. Its arrival has set the bar for the future of Las Vegas, since no openings are planned for the coming years. The unprecedented resort delivers 2,995 luxurious suites with private terraces, smart amenities such as a sunlight-filled casino, multi-level pools, a desert-inspired spa and Turkish hammam (bath), a fine selection of decadent dining and an eclectic collection of shops including nine retailers new to Las Vegas, such as Beckley and CRSVR sneaker boutique, both from California, and Amsterdam’s Droog, a home furnishings store. All the while, it strives to foster an appreciation for art with its rotating artist-in-residence shows.

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Everyday horseracing is certainly exciting, but figuring the next epic equine clash is the reason why many horseplayers (including myself) get up in the morning. The following pages contain the foremost horseracing dates of 2011 that should be written into any fan’s calendar who wishes to behold the very best our sport has to offer. Now I understand many of you currently view financial fluctuation as horseracing’s ultimate end, but my personal perspective is that money comes and money goes. Now don’t get me wrong, I am as interested in a buck as the next guy, but in my heart, selecting the winner of a marquee equine event transcends a temporary and ultimately fleeting fiscal surge. Presently you may not believe and even scoff at this notion, but if you choose to travel down the road, this article paves the way for you to plan accordingly.

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Founded in 1764, the “Gateway City†is known for its leading research centers and some of the country’s largest corporations such as Edward Jones and Anheuser-Busch. The amount of influence these corporations have had in our nation is tremendous. With all of the entertainment, gaming properties and tourist attractions, it’s no wonder the city’s population is on the rise.

Ask a St. Louisan what there is to do in the city, and common suggestions such as visiting the Gateway Arch are given. This makes sense as it is the world’s largest man-made monument standing at 630 feet. But here I have dug a little deeper into the history of St. Louis and what makes it a home to so many people. With 79 government-designated neighborhoods, neighborhood identity is profound in this second-largest Missouri city. Where people reside has much social and political influence, as most of the communities are very tight-knit. Because neighborhood character is so important to the residents, I felt it only appropriate to show you some of the places to visit based on which famous neighborhoods they are located in.

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When the NFL and AFL decided to stage a World Championship game between each league’s best teams in the late 1960s, few likely imagined the ensuing annual match-ups would become the worldwide spectacle we know today as the Super Bowl. But that initial contest between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles on Jan. 15, 1967, was, in fact, the start of something colossal. In the sporting world, there is no bigger day than Super Bowl Sunday. The championship game has evolved into something far greater than a gridiron match-up — it has become a celebratory television event complete with fireworks, live performances from major musical acts and multi-million-dollar commercials.

Sport’s biggest stage is expected to hit its pinnacle on Feb. 6, 2011, when newly opened Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas hosts Super Bowl XLV. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones redefined the football viewing experience in building the uber-impressive Cowboys Stadium, and it’s a sure bet he’ll roll out the red carpet for the Super Bowl like never before. It will be the first time the Dallas-Fort Worth area has hosted the event, which will air nationally on FOX.

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Note: This is the first installment of a two-part history of gaming in the United States. Part II, which covers 1931 to today, will be featured in the March issue of Southern Gaming and Destinations.

Gambling is a pastime that is practically as old as modern man itself. It has been a part of the human experience the world over for thousands of years, as evidenced by the discovery of dice in ancient Egyptian tombs. More than 2,000 years before Jesus Christ walked the earth, games of chance were played in places like China, Greece, Rome and Persia, where the forerunner of poker is thought to have been invented. (Although there are conflicts here — some historians insist what we now know as poker began in China.)

Regardless, gambling had a foothold with man well before the founding of America. So it’s no surprise that the love of gambling is one of the many things early American colonists brought with them as they settled on the East Coast and began creating the country in which we now reside.

But the real fact of the matter is that gambling existed on the continent well before Caucasian settlers arrived. Native Americans had their own games of skill and chance. One of them was a physical sport that closely resembled a hybrid of modern-day lacrosse and rugby. Spectators often wagered on which side would emerge victorious.

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Everything you know is wrong. Or, more accurately, everything you know every other day of the year is wrong. On Super Bowl Sunday, the bet most sharp minds generally avoid like the plague is actually the best wager on the card.

Take the favorite on the money line.

Let the rest of the world push and pull for hours, days and weeks, while you take the play that has had its price deflated by every $10, $50 and $100 wager placed on this fine planet during the two weeks leading up to the fateful Sunday.

The story is simple, but it is worth exploring. Fundamentally, books move lines based on a few key factors. If you are reading this article, you likely already know the main ones, but for posterity, a line generally shifts based on either key news (such as injuries, weather and other notes), or money. Large quantities of money being bet on one side of a line will force the bookmaker to move the line in the direction of the money, so as to induce action on the opposite side, and balance the ledger. Equal action on both sides of a line means a guaranteed win for the books, and that is, obviously, the optimal situation for those taking action. Most weeks, and even right down to most days, this is perfectly achievable.

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There is no doubt that Las Vegas has come a long way since the beginning of the casino boom in the 1950s. What was once the go-to destination for gaming has now evolved into a sleepless city of entertainment, luxurious hotels and resorts, and endless amounts of shopping. The dining scene is no exception as there is an abundance of restaurants throughout Las Vegas sure to please even the most critical foodie. It is in today’s Las Vegas that you can enjoy the finest cuisine from some of the world’s greatest chefs in some of the best atmospheres and hotels the city has to offer. Celebrity chefs have also made their mark in Sin City. After the opening of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in Caesars Palace in the 1990s, the culinary world of Las Vegas has never been the same. Nowadays, with every new super hotel being built, there is sure to be a restaurant boasting its celebrity chef. Here are some of Las Vegas’ top celebrity chefs and their restaurants.

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One of the best parts about going to a casino is getting the opportunity to experience superior dining. Whether you choose the posh fine-dining restaurant or the bountiful buffet with hundreds of different selections, you will probably be overwhelmed with an array of options on the menu and excellent service. Why? The casinos are continuously looking for different ways to attract new customers and bring current customers back. One of the things most gamblers have in common is the appreciation of food. In Southern Gaming’s 2010 Casino Cookoff, an online recipe contest among casino chefs, we learned that while most casino patrons (83%) preferred the casino buffets, 46% still preferred fine dining! We aren’t talking about your local dive restaurant here either. We are talking about an evening of elegant service with an atmosphere designed to make you feel as far from the casino as possible once inside. In addition, unless your meal is comped, you will be spending at least $100 to enjoy a meal and some wine with your date. The result of this popularity is major investments in creating amazing offerings for us all to enjoy. Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse at Belterra Casino, Resort & Spa in Vevay, Indiana is a prime example of reaping the benefits of culinary excellence. The casino teamed up with well-known Cincinnati restaurateur, Jeff Ruby, who owns several of the most popular high-end restaurants in the Cincinnati area, and opened the steakhouse carrying the Ruby brand. The project was an immediate success and the dining room always seems to be packed with happy customers enjoying the best steaks and the freshest seafood around accompanied with impeccable service to back it up. It is the little things that seem to matter the most and when it comes to Dining, the casino is an option that is hard to beat!

So, thanks to the readers of Southern Gaming, we have compiled the results of the Best Restaurants in the South according to the 2010 Best of Southern Gaming Readers’ Choice Awards. Bon Appétit!

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In many ways, 2010 has been an interesting one in the sports world. From a major scandal involving golf’s greatest player to a public drama over where LeBron James would play basketball, nearly as much happened off the field of play as on it. Notice we said “almost.â€

There have been plenty of great sporting moments in 2010 — and the year isn’t over yet. With that said, let’s take a look at the top sporting moments, so far, of 2010.

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Growing up as the son of a confectioner, Chef Jay Frink knew at a young age that his path in life was to create palate-pleasing masterpieces. After starting as a dishwasher at a steakhouse when he was 16 years old, he worked his way up through the ranks and now presides as Executive Chef at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana. In a town that hosts six casinos and a competitive culinary arena, when Southern Gaming and Destinations announced the 2010 Casino Cook-off, he jumped at the chance to participate. The online recipe contest consisted of 18 top chefs throughout the South and garnered thousands of voters critiquing every ingredient of every recipe. After the smoke cleared, it was Chef Frink’s Filet Mignon and Stuffed Lobster with some amazing sides and sauces that took home first prize. (Be sure to check out his winning recipe and the other top finishers on page 34!)

We got the chance to talk shop with the winning chef and get an insider’s look at the culinary world of the casinos.

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We are excited to have recently completed the 2010 Casino Cookoff, an online recipe competition among the top casino chefs throughout the Southeastern region. There were a lot of phenomenal recipes submitted, but after 3,000 voters declared their favorites, the top honors were revealed.

We would like to congratulate everyone who submitted recipes, as they were all excellent! We would also like to recognize the top five recipes in this article and highlight winning chef, Jamie “Jay†Frink from Sam’s Town Casino in Shreveport, La., in a Chef Spotlight on page 42. Jay’s recipe for Filet Mignon and Stuffed Lobster Duet was incredible! It will make you want to run home to prepare it right away.

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Bernie Lubbers, AKA the “Whiskey Professor,” boasts a plethora of Bourbon Knowledge

Have you ever wondered why bourbon whiskey is spelled with an “e†while Scotch whisky is not? Have you ever even noticed? Do you even care? Well, with the recent explosion in interest and demand for whisk[e]ys, it’s time you do. As the “Whiskey Professor†for Beam Global Spirits and Wine, I get to participate in a number of public tastings, seminars and debates — more specifically, an event we call “The Great Whisk[e]y Debate.†One of my favorite topics to discuss is the differentiation between bourbon whiskey and Scotch whisky.

To [e] or not to [e]? That is most certainly the question!

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When casino gambling was made legal in Indiana along the Ohio River, it didn’t take long for gaming meccas to start popping up from Evansville to Lawrenceburg. Each seemed to out-do the previous, and the sky was the limit. Today, there are five casino beating their drums about everything from buffets to bellmen, and competition is alive and well in the River Region. One casino that seems to be beating its drum loudest is Belterra Casino Resort & Spa, a premium property that recently concluded a month-long celebration highlighting their 10 years in business. Located in Vevay, Ind., just off Interstate 71 about halfway between Louisville and Cincinnati, you will find a gem of a property boasting a phenomenal Tom Fazio Golf Course, a luxurious spa and salon, outdoor resort-style pool with cabanas and poolside service, one of the best steakhouses in the area and … a Vegas-style casino, too!

We caught up with Belterra’s general manager, Kevin Kaufman, who has been at the property for nine of the 10 years and has been involved in the casino business for his entire professional career. This guy is pure gold when it comes to running a casino, and it shows in every facet of the casino — from the buffet to the bellman.

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The Gulf Coast has fallen victim to an array of tragic events over the last five years. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina left the entire Coast community ravaged and diminished tourism to virtually nothing. The casinos in Biloxi and Gulfport lost millions of dollars, while any room inventory that wasn’t destroyed was quickly filled with FEMA representatives and response units to help deal with getting things back up and running.

The effects of Katrina are still felt today, but the casinos eventually rebounded bigger and better than ever. Soon, gamblers and tourists were back in Biloxi, and the slots were ringing with winners. Although there are many projects still left to complete from the hurricane, the recovery showed the world that the area was tough and handled the situation aggressively and with enthusiasm.

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It is amazing what can happen when one of the most prestigious destinations in the world gives away a 5-day, 4-night vacation for two. In just over two months, we received over 50,000 votes for the 2010 Best of Southern Gaming Awards and we have to think that a lot of the incentive to vote was in efforts of winning the trip!

We want to thank our title sponsor, Atlantis Paradise Island, for providing what will surely be a trip of a lifetime. Without their support, you might have been competing for something of a lot less value! But, when they came on board for the vacation that includes airfare and $150 per day per diem for food, who could pass that up?

 So, we are thrilled to have had the response from gamers throughout the South for the awards this year. Not only does it show the desire to win an awesome vacation, but it also shows the drive to let everyone know what properties you like the most.

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I am willing to wager that a fair percentage of horseracing enthusiasts are unfamiliar with the historical significance attached to a thoroughbred named Chief’s Crown. This equine’s resume sparkles with notable victories including the 1985 Flamingo Stakes, Bluegrass Stakes, Travers Stakes and Marlboro Cup International Handicap. But these accomplishments are not what separate this son of Danzig from countless other horses who competed during the same era. That particular distinction was forged on Nov. 18, 1984, in the first race of the day at Hollywood Park located in Inglewood, Calif.

Chief’s Crown was the odds-on favorite in the afternoon’s opener, a mile-and-an-eighth route for 2-year-old colts and geldings. Ten contestants would compete for a million-dollar purse, which was an amount typically reserved for only the most prestigious of races on horseracing’s calendar. The circumstances were distinctive because this was the inaugural running of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, the first ever competition in a newly formulated series entitled the Breeders’ Cup. When the gates opened, Chief’s Crown proceeded to etch his name on page one of the Breeders’ Cup history book by wearing down the front-running Spend a Buck (who would later go on to capture the 1985 Kentucky Derby) and out-kicking Tank’s Prospect (eventual 1985 Preakness Stakes Champion).

After that, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile lit the fuse for a magnificent afternoon of racing where zealots of the turf witnessed the crowning of seven separate thoroughbred champions. Some of the day’s more memorable moment’s included the heartbreaking disqualification of 74-1 shot Fran’s Valentine who crossed under the wire first in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Division; the filly Royal Heroine setting a course record in the Breeders’ Cup Mile; and 31-1 shot Wild Again gamely holding off two-time horse of the year Slew O’ Gold and Preakness Stakes Champion Gate Dancer in the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. We are now over a quarter-century removed from Wild Again’s unlikely victory, but what he and the rest of his equine brethren started at Hollywood Park on that autumn afternoon in 1984 still boisterously rings through the rafters of horseracing’s culture.

The shadow of the 27th Breeders’ Cup looms on the horizon, and the upcoming edition will be contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 5-6, 2010. This year, the World Thoroughbred Championships will still see the crowning of several thoroughbred divisional champions, but it is important to note that a vast majority of the event’s original framework has exponentially shifted. An increase in total races, purse monies awarded, international involvement and wagering handle have all collaborated to make the Breeders’ Cup king of the western hemisphere’s equine landscape.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves — this ascent to the apex has not been easy. It took a unique vision from a rare type of American horsemen who was determined to bring thoroughbred racing to the next level. John R. Gaines is credited for inventing the Breeders’ Cup, but interestingly enough, this father of the World Thoroughbred Championships initially had a love affair with a type of four-legged athlete who could never dream of winning a single one of its divisions. Gaines’ involvement in racing began with standardbreds Kerry Way, who he bred, and Speedy Streak, who he co-owned, that won the Hambletonian, harness racing’s most prestigious event.

Gaines opened up a thoroughbred division of his Gainesway Farm in 1962 and decided to investigate into whether or not other prominent figures within the “Sport of Kings†would lend their support to a year-end horseracing extravaganza. After covering countless miles and conversing with the most influential souls in the business, Gaines stoutly declared, “I have personally spoken to virtually all the prominent breeders in this country and several in Europe, and to a man they have endorsed the program as a means of our industry helping itself.â€

Gaines would go on to band his constituents together underneath the virtual Breeders’ Cup umbrella. Years later, after it was clear that the World Thoroughbred Championships were here to stay, Gaines was asked where his inspiration for the event had come. With his usual frankness, the pioneer responded, “The whole idea was to give racing a year-end push that the public could identify with. We already had the Triple Crown Series, but that was just for 3-year-olds, and it ended in early June. We needed something that would keep the momentum going.â€

The name John R. Gaines will forever be synonymous with racing, but it should be noted that this distinction would have been appropriate even if the Breeders’ Cup never came to fruition. Gaines helped found the National Thoroughbred Association, which is known today as the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). In addition, he campaigned against horse slaughtering in the state of Texas, received the “Eclipse Award for Merit†and established a 1,200-acre estate dedicated to man’s love of the horse, the Kentucky Horse Park, located in Lexington, KY.

With the proper homage now paid to the gentleman responsible for crafting the Breeders’ Cup, I suspect the subsequent appropriate topic should involve recapping some of the event’s more memorable moments. Even though the lifespan of the Breeders’ Cup races are diminutive compared to many other contests steeped in rich tradition, don’t think for a moment that there aren’t several outstanding chronicles within its history that deserve recounting. In hindsight, it could be said that Wild Again’s unimaginable victory in the 1984 Breeders’ Cup Classic was only a prelude of what would transpire in the years to come.

Personal Ensign, 1988 Breeders’ Cup Distaff

Many called this race 1988’s best, and it featured super-filly Personal Ensign looking to cap an undefeated career against Kentucky Derby heroine Winning Colors. Contested over a muddy Churchill Downs’ strip, Personal Ensign found herself eight lengths back of her aforementioned front-running rival with a half-mile to go, but rocketed down the lane to win by a measured nose. After the contest, Personal Ensign was relinquished of her racing duties by owner Ogden Phipps and became the first major American thoroughbred in 80 years to retire both unbeaten and sound.

Alysheba, 1988 Breeders’ Cup Classic

The $3 million Breeders’ Cup Classic was thoroughbred horseracing’s largest payday in 1988, and after out dueling Waquolt and Seeking the Gold in the late stages of the contest, Alysheba secured the title of “World’s Richest Racehorse.†His lifetime earnings of $6.6 million topped the legendary John Henry, and if this amount was adjusted for inflation, it would equal $12.1 million by today’s standards.

Arazi, 1991 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

In the 2006 NTRA special series entitled “Spiraling to the Breeders’ Cup,†the narrator said, “Arazi turned in what many still consider to be the single most spectacular performance in Breeders’ Cup history.†The French-based thoroughbred became the first non-American runner to win a Breeders’ Cup race that was contested on the dirt. Though burdened with post No. 14, jockey Pat Valenzuela effortlessly rallied his mount to a sizzling five-length victory. Arazi was later named American 2-year-old Champion based on this lone performance.

Arcangues, 1993 Breeders’ Cup Classic

The late and outstandingly brilliant trainer Bobby Frankel headlined the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Classic with his powerful three-pronged entry headed by horse-of-the-year contender Bertrando. In the end, though, jockey Jerry Bailey shocked the world with a French thoroughbred named Arcangues. This runner, who had never raced in America or on dirt, scampered home by two lengths at odds of 133-1 and rewarded his backers with a record Breeders’ Cup $2 win mutual of $269.20!

Da Hoss, 1998 Breeders’ Cup Mile

Due to an injury that sidelined him for the duration of 1997, Da Hoss was unable to defend his 1996 Breeders’ Cup Mile crown. However in 1998, despite having only one prep race, Michael Dickinson sent out his star pupil to reclaim what was rightfully his. In deep stretch of the 1998 Breeders’ Cup Mile, Da Hoss was headed by Hawksley Hill and looked hopelessly beaten. But in a performance that can only be termed miraculous, Dickinson’s gutsy runner fought back to prevail and is one of only two thoroughbreds to win the same Breeders’ Cup race in non-sequential years.

Tiznow, Breeders’ Cup Classic 2001

The Rocky Balboa of the Breeders’ Cup is a thoroughbred by the name of Tiznow. As a 3-year-old colt, Tiznow basically came out of nowhere to win the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Classic in a sensational stretch duel over European champion Giant’s Causeway. A back injury put Tiznow’s defense of the “Classic Crown†in jeopardy, but trainer Jay Robbins got him right in time for a showdown with 12 of the sport’s toughest challengers at Breeders’ Cup 2001, held at Belmont Park. In the end, it was déjà vu all over again, and even though Arc de Triomphe Champion Sakhee held the advantage in deep stretch, Tiznow re-rallied and added a second Breeders’ Cup Classic trophy to his mantle.

Zenyatta, 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic

After 13 completely dominating performances against members of her own sex, including a resounding victory in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic, Zenyatta’s connections knew it was time to spread their wings. The undefeated mare was entered into the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic, and even after a slow break, this “freak filly†made it look all too easy by launching a breath-taking rally and collaring race leader Gio Ponti with a 16th of a mile to go. I fairly warn that any competitor aspiring to walk out of this year’s Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs with the top prize must find a way to cope with Zenyatta, who continues to drain the vocabulary of superlatives.

The decisively dynamic history of the Breeders’ Cup is glaringly apparent, but where does the health of the event presently stand? Expansion of any event’s overall scope is usually a good indication that things are moving in the right direction, and since this year’s Breeders’ Cup is slated to be broadcast in 120 countries, racing fans should be filled with optimism. If you need further assurance that the brainchild of John R. Gaines will continue to stand the test of time, though, take solace in the fact that purse money from the initial Breeders’ Cup is up more than 150 percent, and presently there are twice as many Breeders’ Cup races as there were in 1984.

The “original seven†Breeders’ Cup races consisting of the Classic, Turf, Mile, Sprint, Distaff, Juvenile and Juvenile Fillies gained a member in 1999 when the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf was added to the format. The Breeders’ Cup was held over two days for the first time in 2007 at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., and the race total climbed to 11 that year with the introduction of the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, Juvenile Turf and Dirt Mile. In 2008, at Santa Anita the addition of the Breeders’ Cup Marathon, Juvenile Filly Turf Race and Turf Sprint brought the two-day card to where it presently stands at 14 races.

On top of these continuous developments, I am ecstatic to report that the number of contributing Breeders’ Cup partnerships now number more than ever. This is no more apparent than within a series simply known as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge. By partnering with 23 of the world’s foremost racetracks, Breeders’ Cup Limited has officially sanctioned a series of 65 qualifying races held in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, England, Ireland and France.

Entering into its fourth year, the Breeders’ Cup Challenge will again be highlighted by the simple yet efficient provision of “win and you’re in.†This “playoff†methodology where a “Challenge Race†winner gains a slot in the corresponding Breeders’ Cup race represents the most significant change in Breeders’ Cup qualifying since the event dawned in 1984. Previously, thoroughbreds and their connections became eligible for the Breeders’ Cup by amassing a series of points, or they were selected to participate by a committee of internationally renowned racing experts. The only exception to the “win and you’re in†axiom applies to a turf “Challenge Race†that has been taken off the grass due to dangerous conditions. In this case, the victor of the “Challenge Race†will not gain an automatic birth into the Breeders’ Cup.

Since the Breeders’ Cup has already authored a fantastic drama within the pages of turf history and seems poised to forever remain the ultimate year-end showcase for “The Sport of Kings,†where does it go from here? One of the primary debates regarding the World Thoroughbred Championships seems to be centered on the event’s future location(s). At a meeting earlier this spring, the board of directors for Breeders’ Cup Limited focused on the two major possibilities that include either permanently establishing the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita or implementing a three-venue rotation that includes Churchill Downs, Belmont Park and Santa Anita. Officials who prefer the one-track model contend that marketing efforts would become less challenging with more site stability. Those in favor of variety point out the variables of reduced racetrack surface biases and increased fan accessibility.

No organization has been immune to the global economic challenges of the past few years, but Breeders’ Cup Limited has invented and implemented several strategies aimed at ensuring fiscal soundness as the decade moves forward. Due to increased operational revenue and some sound investments, the company managed to reduce a projected $5 million decline in net assets for 2009 by 78 percent.

In other developments, Breeders’ Cup Limited reported the collection of more than $5.6 million in sponsorship and licensing revenue while approving a $30 million budget despite only collecting $12 million in foal nominations. President and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup Greg Avioli remarked, “In a year where we are projecting less than $12 million in total nominations revenue, it is rewarding to be able to provide over $30 million in purses. Our ability to do so is a direct result of the successful expansion of the Championships over the past few years.â€

I am sure that when John R. Gaines took in the seven-race card that made up the initial Breeders’ Cup at Hollywood Park in 1984, he never dreamed the event would blossom into the richest two days in all of sports. As we set sight on the 27th edition of the Breeders’ Cup, fan focus will naturally shift toward the plethora of outstanding equine entrants hailing from the four corners of the Earth and the terrific mutual payouts that many of their efforts will offer. In the midst of all this excitement, though, be sure to take in and enjoy the pageantry of our World Championships. They only come around once a year, so have fun not only at the windows but with the entire Breeders’ Cup experience!  

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By: Eric Vaughn Floyd

Eric Vaughn Floyd is a turf writer for various gaming publications and consultant to several nationwide media outlets in regards to the Triple Crown. Excerpts of his gambling memoir, “The Backstretch (My First Decade Playing the Game),†can be viewed at LULU.com.

The Breeders’ Cup is equivalent to Armageddon within the realm of the horseplayer, and the purpose of this year’s final battle is two fold. The 27th edition of the Breeders’ Cup will go a long way in determining whether or not we finish the 2010 horseracing season on a high note, but more importantly, the event serves as a last gasp bailout. For at the World Thoroughbred Championships, the despondent player is granted one final opportunity to erase the red ink off of their annual balance sheet.

Unlike the Triple Crown Series that spans five weeks and typically unfolds as a three-act drama with much of the same supporting cast, the Breeder’s Cup offers 14 separate and distinct battles where every entrant vies for an individual divisional championship.

The last two editions of the Breeders’ Cup were contested at the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, Calif., but this year the event comes back east to Louisville, Ky. From Nov. 5-6, Churchill Downs will host the World Thoroughbred Championships for a record seventh time. Next year, the Breeders’ Cup will stay put and is already slated to be run underneath the Twin Spires Nov. 4-5, 2011.

Some debate has surfaced on whether or not the same strip that is so closely associated with the Kentucky Derby should lay claim to the Breeders’ Cup so often. In fact, many fans would prefer to see the Breeders’ Cup cycle through every major racetrack in the country before returning to the same venue. Some have even pointed to the prospect of holding the event overseas or erecting a specific racecourse especially for it. The debate will rage on, but it is certainly clear to me that Churchill Downs is a more than fitting stage to conduct any equine theater on.

There is an old proverb that states, “Every war is won or lost before the first battle is ever fought.†If you handicap and wager on thoroughbreds, write this phrase on the top of every program you purchase for the remainder of your life. These words encapsulate the horseplayer’s plight, and anyone who lacks stealth in the preparation department can never hope to find lasting success within the “Sport of Kings.†As previously mentioned, six editions of the World Thoroughbred Championships have been contested underneath the Twin Spires, so keeping in line with our proverb, we will now rummage through the archives and attempt to discover any biases or tendencies that may exist between the Breeders’ Cup and Churchill Downs.

A player who delves into the Daily Racing Form’s two-day 2010 Breeders’ Cup program will discover 14 races that require handicapping. However, the first four times the World Thoroughbred Championships were held at Churchill Downs (1988, 1991, 1994 and 1998), only seven contests were held. The advent of the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, which was inaugurated in 1999, brought both the 2000 and 2006 Breeders’ Cup race total to eight. Studying this sample unearthed a few interesting statistics I suggest you tuck into a cerebral fold, but a word to the wise — charting digits and coincidental trends will never replace sound handicapping principles and prudent wagering judgment.

The average win payout for a $2 mutual ticket on a Breeders’ Cup race held at Churchill Downs is $23.80. Before you mark an “X†through the morning line favorite, though, consider the following. Of the 44 Breeders’ Cup races contested in Louisville, the chalk has held up their end of the bargain 13 times. This boils down to a winning percentage of 29.5 percent for the public’s top choice, and most grizzled horseplayers know that only one-third of favorites find their way into the winner’s circle across America on a day-in and day-out basis anyway. Therefore, it is reasonably safe to say that one should not expect a large swing in variance with regard to the favorite vs. long-shot ratio in this year’s Breeders’ Cup.

Out of the six Breeders’ Cups held at Churchill Downs, the 1998 card ranks most frugal, returning an average win mutual of $10.60 per $2 ticket. As the millennium dawned two years later, that average spiked to $35.20 thanks in large part to a 55-1 shot named Spain. Trained by hall-of-fame conditioner D. Wayne Lukas, Spain rewarded those brave souls who backed her in the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Distaff with a whopping win price of $113.80.

Spain’s win mutual ranks the highest out of all 44 Breeders’ Cup races held at Churchill Downs, while Flanders’ victory in the 1994 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies holds the low spot on the totem pole with a paltry return of $2.80. The average $2 win mutual for each of the remaining four Breeders’ Cups held at Churchill Downs are as follows: 1988, $11; 1991, $32.60; 1994, $26.80; 2006, $24.60. Combining these figures with the ones already mentioned in the two previous paragraphs leads me to believe that even though I should expect an average proportion of favorites to long-shots in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup, equines that go on to defeat the chalk should reward their supporters handsomely.

Saddlecloth numerology is often a point of interest for the horseplayer, for it may go a long way in determining if a racetrack surface holds a certain bias. Even though instances exist where a group of thoroughbreds do not break from the starting gate in sequential order of saddlecloth number due to a coupled entry residing within the field, these scarce instances don’t carry enough weight in our sample to skew the final results. With that said, I have discovered that the most powerful digit with regards to a Breeders’ Cup held at Churchill Downs is No. 1.

Out of the 44 Breeders’ Cup Races held at Churchill Downs, the No. 1 horse has 12 victories. This breaks down to a winning percentage of 27.2 percent with an average return of $14.60 for a $2 win bet. Now your first reaction may be speculative because, after all, there is a No. 1 horse entered into every race, whereas because of variances in field size, higher saddlecloth numbers like 10 through 14 might be omitted in certain divisional contests. Typically, though, every Breeders’ Cup race draws a high level of interest and, in the end, attracts a healthy amount of suitors.

To put this potency of No. 1 in perspective, consider that the Nos. 6 and 9 saddlecloths are tied for a distant second in total Churchill Downs Breeders’ Cup wins with five apiece. Before you back the No. 1 horse in all 14 races this year, let me caution you that this statistic is a bit misleading. It is true that if a patron wagered $2 on the nose of every No. 1 horse that ever ran in a Breeders’ Cup race contested at Churchill Downs, they would be ahead of the game — $88.80 to be exact. Incidentally, though, many victorious horses starting from the rail have returned short prices over the years. In fact, the No. 4 horse has only found the winners’ enclosure 7 percent of the time when the bluegrass state hosts the Breeders’ Cup, but a lifetime of $2 win betting loyalty to this saddlecloth number would have netted the gambler an overall profit of $136.60.

As telling as the percentage of horses wearing the No. 1 on their flanks that enter into the winner’s circle on Breeders’ Cup Day at Churchill Downs seems to be, the percentage of equines sporting the No. 1 who hit the board is simply staggering. The No. 1 horse has cracked the top three positions 19 times out of 44 races (43 percent) with an average show payoff of just over $5. In second position in this category is the No. 7 saddlecloth with 15 appearances (34 percent) on the tote board. Persistent show betting on the No. 1 horse over the last six Breeders’ Cups held at Churchill Downs would have only netted the player a profit of $10.30, so beware that this angle should be used in conjunction with exotic wagering in order to maximize its full potential.

The reader has probably realized that the figures from the last several stanzas have clumped both dirt and turf results from the six previous Churchill Downs Breeder’s Cups all together. I want to assure you, though, that the promise of rail runners on the lawn is consistent with those on the dirt. Of the 14 Breeders’ Cup turf races contested at Churchill Downs, the No. 1 saddlecloth has won four (29 percent) times, returning an average $2 win payout of $16.20. Saddlecloth No. 3 holds second position in this category with three wins (21 percent) but sports a much higher average win payout of $35.80. Interestingly enough, outside posts have won 36 percent of Churchill Downs Breeders’ Cup turf races with saddlecloth numbers 8, 9, 10, 11 and 14 each notching a lone victory.

So is there a rail bias underneath the Twin Spires on Breeders’ Cup Day? The black and white numbers seem to somewhat lean in that direction, but how do intelligent horseplayers like us take maximum advantage of the situation? Remember that a combination of factors from weather to the actions of the grounds crew can affect the condition and balance of any racing strip. Therefore I would strongly suggest that in the week leading up to the Breeders’ Cup, you keep an eye on the Churchill Downs results. If you discover a possible rail bias or any other partiality, then don’t hesitate to diligently act on it. If your bankroll permits, then wheel the runners most likely to take advantage of the surface conditions in exotics with the remainder of the field. For those who find themselves a little less liquid, simply wager across the board on proven runners who will also, by coincidence, find themselves reaping a bias benefit.

Top Breeders’ Cup Jockeys

Edgar Prado: The rider most known for his win on Barbaro in the 2006 Kentucky Derby captured the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Distaff aboard Round Pond and finished the day’s card with five top three finishes. Prado owns three overall Breeders’ Cup victories.

Corey Nakatani: This two-time Kentucky Oaks-winning jockey captured the 2006 Breeders’ Cup Sprint aboard Thor’s Echo and finished the day’s card with four top three finishes. Nakatani’s resume boasts seven overall Breeders’ Cup victories.

Frankie Dettori: This Italian riding sensation ranks first among international jockeys with nine overall Breeders’ Cup titles. The fan favorite who made the “flying dismount†famous recorded two of these wins over the Churchill Downs’ strip in 2006 aboard Ouija Board (Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf Champion) and Red Rocks (Breeders’ Cup Turf Champion). Dettori’s most significant moment on American soil was when he rode Raven’s Pass to victory 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic.

John Velazquez: “Johnny V†won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies title with Caressing underneath the Twin Spires in 2000 and secured third place finishes six years later in both the Turf and Juvenile Fillies division. Velazquez boasts seven lifetime career Breeder’s Cup victories and has earned more than $10,000,000 in Breeders’ Cup purse money.

Garrett Gomez: The last time the Breeders’ Cup was held at Churchill Downs, Garrett Gomez was a bridesmaid on three occasions, but these second-place finishes are not indicative of his typical result at the World Thoroughbred Championships. The rider who many consider one of America’s finest is the proud owner of nine Breeders’ Cup victories.

Calvin Borel: The jockey who has ridden three out of the last four Kentucky Derby champions has only one career Breeders’ Cup victory (Street Sense 2006, Juvenile Division) but will undoubtedly be eagerly sought after by every trainer with an equine pointed to the World Thoroughbred Championships. Borel’s mastery of the Churchill oval is unsurpassed, but don’t back him with blind abandon. This rider’s mounts will automatically be bet down because of his reputation and may ultimately become undervalued in the mutual pools.

It is safe to say that a solid understanding of Breeders’ Cup history as it relates to Churchill Downs is now yours, but still the $64,000 question remains unanswered: How do we turn a profit within the 14-race progression of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup? I wish I could spell out a simplified arrangement of tactical equations that would guarantee you a profit, but this is impossible for one simple reason: Every horse entered in this year’s Breeders’ Cup has exceptional credentials.

If followed diligently, I promise the blueprint below will go a long way in helping you shape some pleasant memories of Breeders’ Cup.

Manage Your Bankroll
This will be the primary factor in determining whether or not the horseplayer endures a successful Breeders’ Cup, and with 14 races spread over two days, discipline becomes even more crucial than usual. Due to the magnetic pull the World Thoroughbred Championships has on a serious player, it is easy to become over zealous with the greenbacks on the first day’s six-race card. This poses no issue if the handicapper keeps his head above water, but immediately encountering a dry spell could pose long-term disaster.

Pick Your Spots
I am going to let you in on a cruel reality that pertains to the World Thoroughbred Championships, which I have discovered through many failed attempts to master it. When betting the Breeders’ Cup, you must, pick your spots! Sorry, you are not going to cash all 14 races, so don’t set yourself up for failure. In fact, my most successful Breeders’ Cup was in 2004 when I made just one large bet on a horse named Ghostzapper who proceeded to romp home in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Have fun, but show some self-control. Unless you feel relatively confident about the outcome of a race, only bet $2 on it.

Europeans Rule the Turf
Grass is typically the only surface European thoroughbreds run on, so competitors from overseas will have a decisive advantage when it comes to any Breeders’ Cup race contested over the turf. Dirt racing is an American thing, so when it comes time to hit the lawn, turn from nationalistic loyalty and side with ponies from across the pond.

Surface is Significant
This year, the Breeders’ Cup returns to a dirt surface after a two-year assignment over synthetic ground. Be weary of West Coast shippers coming into Churchill who have no prior races or workouts over conventional dirt, because there is no telling if they will fancy it when the gates open. Additionally, European horses typically prefer synthetic surfaces to dirt, so expect American-based runners to dominate the main track.

Play Some Horses with Long Odds
Every year, the Breeders’ Cup tote board explodes with lucrative payouts, so I encourage you to dedicate 5-10 percent of your bankroll to striking it rich. Play a few 50-1 shots, your lucky numbers or a combination of catchy names … it could change your life!

Finally, I want to encourage all of you to use this year’s Breeders’ Cup as a handicapping tutorial. The event gathers the most profound collection of horse flesh aimed at capturing championships from the sport’s wide expanse of divisions. This makes the Breeders’ Cup a wagering cornucopia where a horseplayer can test his wits against the most formidable of his brethren. Finding success in the World Thoroughbred Championships equates to passing the toughest exam horseracing can muster, so presently take inventory of your handicapping arsenal. Doing this will allow you to discover if you are indeed prepared to wage a triumphant war underneath the Twin Spires come Breeders’ Cup 2010.

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By Eric Vaughn Floyd

Eric Vaughn Floyd is a turf writer for various gaming publications and consultant to several nationwide media outlets in regards to the Triple Crown. Excerpts of his gambling memoir, “The Backstretch (My First Decade Playing the Game),†can be viewed at LULU.com.

For those who watched CNBC’s special on online gambling, it is no secret that I spent a major part of my life and career in this racket moving “steam†for some of the most successful betting syndicates ever. The one thing I learned from each of them was that this is simply a numbers game. Getting the best number is the primary goal over the course of your betting career — it’s the difference between winning and losing.
Now when Bob Martin was the country’s main oddsmaker, there were only a select number of bettors who had the ability to make him move his line, while the rest were cut out of the action because they would get to bet into it before it was even offered to anyone else. During this era, the number was the sharpest they’ve ever been and most likely ever will be.
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We live in the heart of casino central in the South. From our house in any direction, we can enter casino doors after a few hours drive. From the Gulf Coast to Tunica and New Orleans to Florida, we’re casino people. When my husband and I heard the news about Wind Creek Casino in Alabama opening its doors, we started packing our bags for the first opportunity to visit. It’s always fun to see how a new casino stacks up against the others.

Wind Creek Casino sits on the reservation of the Poarch Band of the Creek Indians in Atmore, Ala. It is located approximately 40 miles north of Mobile off I-65, and we were delighted to find Wind Creek quickly and easily as we exited.

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