Betting Picks

Everyone loves an underdog. There's romance in supporting the little guy, and in the sports betting world, it can also prove a profitable venture. But there are times when playing a long shot is unwise, and the World Cup is definitely one.

As part of the 2018 Breeders' Cup World Championships qualifying series, the (G1) Stephen Foster Handicap from Churchill Downs on Saturday night is a 'Win And You're In' Event for the BC Classic. Whichever of the nine colts that hits the finish line first will gain an automatic entry to the 2018 Classic, right back on the Churchill dirt this coming November.

There are a pair of qualifying races for the 2018 Breeders' Cup World Championships on Saturday from Churchill Downs. First up is the Fleur d'Lis Handicap, which will send the winner to the Breeders' Cup Distaff. Nine fillies and mares age three and older are expected to go to the gate, with multiple graded-stakes winner Farrell the lukewarm morning line favorite.

This game has the potential to be high scoring if you look at both teams’ qualification record. Costa Rica’s games saw an average of 2.4 goals per game while Serbia’s averaged 3.0 goals per game. If you think this record will continue, look at the over 2.5 goals market at +165.

Croatia start their match against Nigeria as -120 favorites and that looks a fair price simply because Croatia have so many stars among their ranks. Nigeria, at +350, are capable of causing an upset thanks to their never say die attitude. While Nigeria seem to have shored up their defense, they have not played any sides with Croatia creativity in it and that should see Croatia claim all three points in this fixture.

Peru and Denmark will see Group C as one they can qualify from as Australia are likely to be there to make up the numbers. With France likely to win the group, both Peru and Denmark will know that a victory in their opening clash could seal qualification to the knockout stages. The South American outfit are slight underdogs in this tie, priced at +240, with Denmark the +115 favorites. The draw is priced at +240.

Argentina struggled during qualification yet they are still the fifth-favorites to win the 2018 World Cup thanks to the wealth of talent their coach can choose from. Having Lionel Messi, arguably the best footballer in the world, in your side always gives you a chance of winning games. Bovada think Argentina will win this game comfortably and have priced an Argentina win at -300.

There is little chance of any other result than a French victory in the clash with Australia as is evident by Bovada’s odds of +450 on France winning, +500 on the match being drawn and +1500 on Australia causing an upset. You can find odds of +140 on France winning by three clear goals and that is not outside the realms of possibility.

Portugal and Spain are the favorites to progress from Group B at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and this is a clash that would not look out of place much deeper in the tournament. Spain go into this match as -120 favorites with a Portugal win priced at +350 and the draw at +250.