European horses have a decisive lead in the competition FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile presented by PDJF. They often take home the trophy, but not always. Last year, America’s More Than Looks stopped a streak of four consecutive wins with a lead of euros. Can an American make it two in a row in Del Mar on Saturday? Maybe, but as usual it won’t be easy.
1. One Stripe (30-1 morning line odds): The South African runner is a multiple Group 1 winner. Made his first start in six months in the Grade 1 Rogers Woodbine Mile Stakes and had a difficult journey. Should take advantage of that start and play more of a role here.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernández; TRAINER: Graham Movement
2. Remarkable speech (5-2): Finished a close third as favorite in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Mile. Coming off a convincing win in the Woodbine Mile and looking the best in this area.
JOCKEY: William Buick; TRAINER: Charlie Appleby
3. Easy (6-1): Talented three-year-old won the prestigious Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp in France by a nose. It seems like it’s getting better with every start and that will be a big threat.
JOCKEY: Mickael Barzalona; TRAINER: Francis-Henri Graffard
4. The lion in winter (6-1): Was a close second in the English Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot last time. Also came third by a nose in the Prix du Moulin. Can have a major influence on the outcome.
JOCKEY: Christophe Soumillon; TRAINER: Aidan O’Brien
5. Program trading (10-1): Ranked among America’s greatest threats. Was second in Keeneland’s Grade 1 Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes and second in the mile-and-a-sixteenth Bernard Baruch Stakes at Saratoga. Can be photographed with a good trip.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Chad Brown
6. Great East (30-1): Ships from Chile after a Group 1 win. Hasn’t raced since May and faces a tough task here.
JOCKEY: Hector Berrios; TRAINER: Jose Alvarez
7. John (8-1): Was a solid second in the Breeders’ Cup Mile last year. Was hampered by injuries this year and has only started twice. But he did win the City of Hope Mile Stakes last time, the same stakes he captured a year ago before finishing second in the Mile.
JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli; TRAINER: Yaakteen team
8. Formidable man (10-1): Loves the field at Del Mar. He goes 6-for-6 and wins the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile Stakes and Eddie Read Stakes here. Can be a major threat on his best effort.
JOCKEY: John Velázquez; TRAINER: Michael McCarthy
9. Dyke (20-1): The Japanese mare can be competitive but has yet to win above Group 3 level. Others have more appeal.
JOCKEY: Frankie Dettori; TRAINER: Mitsumasa Nakauchida
10. Jonquil (10-1): The three-year-old colt missed the rally to finish third in Keeneland’s Turf Mile. Posted a win in Group 2 in Europe and can sneak into the picture.
JOCKEY: Colin Keane; TRAINER: Andreas Balding
11. Rhetorical (5-1): The New York State-bred Keeneland’s Turf Mile won for his fourth straight victory and fifth in six career starts. He faces his biggest test in this race, but should not be overlooked.
JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Will Walden
12. Gas me up (30-1): Came third in the Woodbine Mile and is going to have a tough time from this position. Will need to take a big step forward in just his fourth stakes start.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Kevin Attard
13. Qirat (20-1): Won an English Group 1 Stakes at Goodwood in July at odds of 150-1! Since then he has finished fifth and then seventh and will once again have a great chance.
JOCKEY: Rossa Ryan; TRAINER: Ralph Beckett
THE CHOICE: Remarkable speech
LIVE LONG SHOT: One stripe
SUPERFECT: 2-3-1-4
#Breeders #Cup #Mile #glance