The Mile
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Breeders' Cup Breakdown
The Mile 1 mile(T); $2 million; 3up; 3:20 Saturday
The History
The amazing Miesque beat the boys in back to back runnings in 1987 and 1988. Lure dazzled in 1992 and 1993. Da Hoss won it in 1996, raced once in between then was victorious again in 1998 in one of the most amazing feats in the history of the sport. Cozzene and War Chant are two other noteworthy winners of the Mile.
Favorites: 6 for 23 (26%); Average Win Price: $20.56
The Best
Euro-import Excellent Art has been installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite in this 14 horse affair. Before running second to one over the top milers in Europe, Ramonti, in his last two starts, both G1 affairs, Excellent Art roared home to win the G1 St. James Place at the Royal Ascot meeting in mid-June. He’ll race on Lasix for the first time for trainer Aidan O’Brien
Perhaps America’s best hope at winning the Mile is multiple G1 winner After Market. After winning four consecutive starts in California for trainer John Shirreffs, all graded stakes, After Market missed by just half a length in the G2 Kelso last out while cutting back sharply in distance. While he’s winless at three starts at a mile he should benefit from the mile race under his belt.
Kip Deville had the misfortune of winding up on the same turf course as the great Shakespeare last out in the G1 Woodbine Mile. At the 1/9 pole, it looked as if Kip Deville had it all wrapped up but Shakespeare flew home to win in what would be the final start of his amazing career. Overall, Kip Deville has won 6 of 9 starts at a mile, including a win in the G1 Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita back in March for Rick Dutrow, Jr.
Nobiz Like Shobiz will put his perfect 3 for 3 turf record on the line in the Mile while trying older horses for the first time. Trainer Barclay Tagg was so impressed with his win in the G2 Jamaica at Belmont last out that he re-thought his stance on not running in the Mile and waiting for another three-year-old race later in the year and entered him here.
Trippi’s Storm got the jump, and eventually the money over After Market in the Kelso last out after also running against tougher competition going longer throughout the summer. In fact, in his four starts at distances ranging from 1 to 1 1/8 miles on the grass, Trippi’s Storm is undefeated. And to think you could have claimed him off Stanley Hough for the bargain price of $32,000 back on January 15th.
The Rest
Cosmonaut finished second in the G1 Shadwell Mile last out after opening up a 2 ½ length lead in the stretch. Host is winless in three starts since taking the Elkwood going a mile at Monmouth earlier this year. Icy Atlantic is 2 for 4 at Monmouth including a win in the G3 Red Bank two starts back. Jeremy has won just once in his last eight starts while shipping over from Europe. My Typhoon tries the boys and a mile and is looking to regain her mid-season form that saw her win three straight, including the G1 Diana. Purim upset the Shadwell Mile at over 20-1 last out and should be a nice price again. Rebellion won three turf starts in a row before finishing second in a G3 on Polytrack last out. Remarkable News faded to fourth in the Woodbine Mile last out in his first start in over two months. Silent Name hasn’t run in almost four months and will be making his first start in the Frankel barn.
The Scenario
Remarkable News will set the pace with Icy Atlantic, My Typhoon, Silent Name and Cosmonaut right in behind. Kip Deville, Nobiz Like Shobiz, Purim and Rebellion should be in mid-pack. After Market, Excellent Art, Host, Trippi’s Storm and Jeremy figure to come running late.
The Strategy
One of the most wide open races of the day. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of a half dozen won this when all was said and done so my best advice is to find a few you like and spread. Don’t forget, this is the first leg of the Pick 4!!!
The Bomb
On her best day, My Typhoon could get the job done in here. At 30-1 on the morning line, she’s a no-brainer to take a longshot chance with.