#Peter Rotondo

If you think that Johnny Avello at the Wynn Las Vegas would feel threatened by the competition of the Breeders' Cup Future Wager being put together by the Breeders' Cup itself, you don't know how Johnny Avello got to be this town's best bookmaker for horse racing. "I think it's a good idea," he said. "I like it. I'm glad they've started…

He will be the favorite next week for the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga. But is it too soon to declare Essential Quality the favorite for the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic? Not in the dark recesses of offshore futures. After holding off Hot Rod Charlie in a signature stretch duel to win the Belmont Stakes, Essential Quality burnished his place in…