Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile Welcomes Two Grade 1 Champions
Pre-entries for the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) numbered 12 on October 21. By Monday, the field had shrunk to eight following several key developments.
Phileas Fogg, a 6-year-old gelding considered a longshot, was withdrawn on Tuesday, October 22 due to a left front leg issue.
The post-position draw occurred on Monday, October 26. Of the three horses pre-entered in both the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1), two were entered in the Dirt Mile: Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Further Ado and Goodwood Stakes (G1) winner Forged Steel.
The third horse, Pacific Classic (G1) winner Knightsbridge, was entered in the Classic, where he will face defending champion Forever Young along with Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winners Sovereignty and Golden Tempo.
The Dirt Mile now features an 11-horse field, with Further Ado as the 2-1 favorite. Forged Steel is listed at 15-1, tied as the longest shot with T Kraft and Moonlight.
Trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. explained the decision to enter Forged Steel in the Dirt Mile after Knightsbridge was assigned to the Classic:
“With Knightsbridge going in the Classic, it makes sense. If Knightsbridge hadn’t gone in the Classic, then we might have considered it, but from a handicapping standpoint, the Dirt Mile makes more sense. We feel like we have a better chance to win in the Dirt Mile.”
Jockey Ricardo Santana, Jr. Suspended and Charged with Domestic Violence
Ricardo Santana, Jr., who was slated to ride at least two horses at this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup, had his jockey license suspended Tuesday by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation.
The suspension followed Santana’s arrest on alleged domestic violence charges the previous day.
The state racing and gaming corporation stated that Santana will remain suspended “pending the disposition of his criminal charges” and will be removed from all his Kentucky mounts “until further notice.”
The Breeders’ Cup issued the following statement:
“The Breeders’ Cup condemns violence in all forms and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and professionalism throughout our sport, while recognizing the importance of due process.”
Santana, 33, had been scheduled to ride Hymm (15-1) in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) and Foie Gras (20-1) in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1). Rafael Bejarano will now take the mount on Hymm.
According to the Louisville Courier Journal, police charged Santana on Monday with two domestic-violence-related offenses: first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault with minor injuries. He entered a not-guilty plea on October 27 in Jefferson District Court.
Breeders’ Cup Mile: Defending Champion Notable Speech Works at Keeneland
Notable Speech led a strong European contingent onto the Keeneland main track Monday night for the first time since completing quarantine.
The Charlie Appleby trainee was among the first European horses to train on the main track, working alongside stablemate El Cordobes, who is entered in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1).
“He’s in great shape,” exercise rider Colm O’Donaghue said of Notable Speech, the 7-5 favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. “He’s danced every dance and he’s a professional. He went out there solo this morning, didn’t need a lead or anything. It was like his own backyard.”
Breeders’ Cup Facts & Figures: Trainer Aidan O’Brien Prepares for the Weekend
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien will seek to add to his 21 Breeders’ Cup victories this weekend, fielding multiple entries. He is currently tied with Bob Baffert for the most Breeders’ Cup wins by a trainer.
O’Brien’s runners include:
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf: Great Barrier Reef (4-1), Haffner (8-1), Man’s Best Friend (15-1), Florida Bay (20-1)
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf: Sun Goddess (6-5)
Breeders’ Cup Turf: Diamond Necklace, Benvenuto Cellini (6-1)
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf: Precise (7-2)
Breeders’ Cup Mile: True Love (8-1), Puerto Rico (10-1)
