The experts look better when favorites come in

The Times’ survey of local handicappers on Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup races turned out be a nice improvement from the dismal first day when only three of seven prognosticators had one win and everyone else had zero.

Of course, a lot of that had to do with more favorites coming in.

Bob Ike and Jerry Antonucci, both of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, had three winners, as did Brad Free of the Daily Racing Forum. Toby Turrell, who sells his picks at the track and online, along with The Times’ Liam Durbin and Ray Nelson of LANG had two winners. Terry Turrell, also of LANG, had one winner.

But there wasn’t a lot of value in their picks. The longest shot was Durbin’s pick of California Flag in the Turf Sprint, which paid $8.80.

In hindsight, the steal of the day was Zenyatta’s win in the Classic. The mare was undefeated in 13 starts. Everyone but Toby and Terry Turrell picked her to win, although Antonucci scratched into the pick when Quality Road was taken out of the race after acting up at the gate.

-- John Cherwa

CLASSIC WINNERS

2009: Zenyatta; 2008: Raven’s Pass; 2007: Curlin; 2006: Invasor;

2005: Saint Liam; 2004: Ghostzapper; 2003: Pleasantly Perfect;

2002: Volponi; 2001: Tiznow; 2000: Tiznow; 1999: Cat Thief; 1998: Awesome Again; 1997: Skip Away; 1996: Alphabet Soup; 1995: Cigar;

1994: Concern; 1993: Arcangues; 1992: A.P. Indy; 1991: Black Tie Affair; 1990: Unbridled; 1989: Sunday Silence; 1988: Alysheba; 1987: Ferdinand; 1986: Skywalker; 1985: Proud Truth; 1984: Wild Again.