War Emblem leads futures

War Emblem, the front-running winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, was the surprising 5-2 favorite in the Breeders' Cup Classic late on Friday afternoon.

War Emblem had taken $1,200 in bets by 5:30 p.m., by far the most in the Classic pool. War Emblem, who was sixth in his most recent start, the Pacific Classic, was 20-1 on the morning line for the Classic pool.

Betting for the Classic opened on Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern, along with the Distaff and Sprint. Betting is scheduled to close at 7 p.m. on Monday. Each pool offers win-only betting on 23 individual horses and a field bet encompassing all other horses.

In the Distaff, Azeri was the 8-5 favorite late on Friday, with $876 in early wagers. In the Sprint, Gygistar, 15-1 on the morning line, was the 3-1 favorite with $545 in wagers.

Most of the betting for the future-wager pools is expected to take place late on Monday, after the Labor Day races have been run.

:: BC Future Bet Pool 3 -