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DEMOCRATS
"First Lady" (Clinton) 3-1 Relentless discipline and sharp debate workouts point to this filly being very much able to run with the boys. Handlers are confident that they can keep old issues from popping up but Democratic punters still worry about her ability to win the whole thing. Mate, triple crown winner, Bubba Bill, is a wild card--could hurt or help.
"Chicago Kid" (Obama) 5-1 This green but talented colt can be brilliant and is in a strong second position if "First Lady" falters. Handlers have run their game plan smoothly so far and may have some tricks up their sleeves.
"Southern Man" Edwards) 8-1 Handsome but hard grinding colt needs a break to get up in here but is has always done well at Iowa Downs and could still surprise.
"Senior Ambassador" (Richardson) 12-1 Experienced but accident prone horse seems to have fitness issues (possibly hoof in mouth disease) Needs to start showing some sharper workouts or odds will drop again.
"Talk Show Joe" (Biden) 12-1 Seasoned but erratic, Talk Show Joe's had some good workouts lately which puts him into contention for fourth with Senior Ambassador. Still a long shot but moving up there.
"Little Big Man" (Kucinich) 15-1 Beloved perennial contender probably has no shot but could still pull progressive votes from "Chicago Kid" or "Southern Man" handing "First Lady" a win, or in some crazy scenario might win the love of frustrated Democrats everywhere. About as likely as a short homely middle aged guy marrying some hot, young, six foot tall, redhead--oh yeah--he's done that too.
"Connecticut Yankee" (Dodd) 20-1 Nice guy but is in the race to get name out there as a possible running mate.
"Crazy Uncle" 30-1 (Gravell) Provides a lot of entertainment at debates but outclassed here.
THE REPUBLICANS
"New York Hero" (Giuliani) 5-1 Still ahead in the early betting but feeling the heat from "Feel Good Fred". So far Republican punters have ignored all of the issues in his past--odds are some will start to notice that this horse has feet of clay.
"Feel Good Fred" (Thompson) 7-1 Getting a great deal of action from Southern Conservatives dying to bet on one of their own, but has never run at this level and could fall flat on his face when the horses leave the starting gate. Handlers find it hard to work with mate "Child Bride".
"Swarmin' Morman" 10-1 Handsome colt always says what he has to to ingratiate with the right people but so far only the big business Republicans have jumped on the bandwagon. Wins "best turned out" in both parties--Kudos to his grooms.
"Straight Talk Johnny" 15-1 Cantankerous old campaigner continues to run hard to the right. Slipped after a badly thought out trip to Iraq, recovered a bit, but shows no sign of changing his ways. Handlers reported to be jumping ship. Ready for the glue factory?
"Huckabuck" 15-1 Likable Southern colt has shown some strong workouts lately and has the social conservative street cred to pull fundamentalist support from the top four but leaves big business types cold. One to watch out for and clearly the best of the rest.
"Doctor Ron" 20-1 Eccentric libertarian has a real following and could cause some mischief in crossover states. Only anti-war candidate in the field.
The Field: 30-1 Several No-hopers in here to gain name recognition and/or beat their drums. "Border Patrol" (Tancredo) "What's the Matter with Kansas" Brownback "Great Hunter" Duncan Hunter
and finally the newly arrived addition to the the field. "Token Negro" (Keyes)
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