Breeders' Cup Classic fair odds: 8-5 on an international winner

Although Fierceness remains my most likely winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 2 at Del Mar, I do not see the defection of California Crown winner Subsanador as helping that one's chances. So the champion Breeders' Cup Juvenile and Travers Stakes winner remains 5-1 on my fair odds.

The international contingent does get a boost, though, with all five of the invaders looking primed to fire their best shots against the domestic product.

Unfortunately, there is no prop betting on horse racing as there is in almost every other sport with the explosion of sports wagering. But if there were, then I'd make it +120 on an international horse winning the Breeders' Cup versus -142 on a "local," for an effective takeout of 4.2 percent.

My actual fair odds are +160 on the internationals and -150 on the Americans, but that is with an 18 horses still possible, including big names such as Next and Seize the Grey, who might opt for other races. I did remove Travers runner-up and certain 3-year-old filly champion Thorpedo Anna from the Classic lineup as it seems more and more certain she will target the Breeders' Cup Distaff.

Given more uncertainty on the American side of this bet, I'd be inclined to take the internationals at even +150 at this stage.

Pre entries for the richest race in North America will be released Wednesday, Oct. 23, with the post-position draw Monday, Oct. 28.