2012 Breeders' Cup Mile - American Contingent

Dominus is trying to become the 21st century version of Lure after his winning his initial grass start in the Grade II Bernard Baruch Stakes at Saratoga. Now a Grade-2 winner on dirt and turn, Dominus could run in the Dirt Mile, though his pedigree screams grass and his upside on the sod seems limitless with his dominant effort last out.

Wise Dan catapulted his way to the top of the list of American contenders with his eye-popping win in the Grade II Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga in August. A victory in this Sunday’s Grade I Woodbine Mile would almost insure the 5-year-old Wiseman’s Ferry gelding to be the first American-based favorite since Leroidesanimaux in 2005.

Data Link was runner-up to Dominus last out, and captured the Grade I Maker’s 46 Mile at Keeneland in the spring. Look for a return visit to Keeneland in the Grade I Shadwell Turf Mile on 10/6 to prep for the Breeders’ Cup.

Mr. Commons was perceived by many as USA’s best chance in this event at the beginning of the year, but a 4-race losing streak has put some doubt in the minds’ of his supporters. The 4-year-old son of 2005 BC Mile winner, Artie Schiller, should make his next start in Santa Anita’s Grade II Arroyo Seco Mile on 10/6.

Jeranimo had his ticket punched to the Breeders’ Cup Mile with his victory in the “Win And You’re In” Grade I Shoemaker Mile at Betfair Hollywood Park last June. Third last out in the Grade II Del Mar Mile, Jeranimo also looks to make his final start before the Breeders’ Cup in the Arroyo Seco Mile.

Suggestive Boy was second to Jeranimo in the Shoemaker Mile while making his first start in America off a 7-month layoff. Last out, the 4-year-old Argentinean tried Del Mar’s Polytrack for the first time when a tiring 5th in the Grade I Pacific Classic.

Obviously blazed a trail over the Del Mar turf course when setting a course record and holding off Mr. Commons by a nose in the Grade II Del Mar Mile. A rematch awaits in the Arroyo Seco Mile for the former sprinter turned router.

Caracortado is still on the fence whether he will make the Breeders’ Cup, and if he does will he go in the Turf Sprint or the Mile. Away from the races since January, Caracortado has popped up on the California work tab the last month, showing promise that trainer Mike Machowsky is trying to get him another shot at Breeders’ Cup glory. Though he ran in the Turf Sprint last fall, Caracortado has been one of the finest milers in California over the last few seasons, so don’t be surprised to see him in this spot.

Little Mike was seen as a definite starter for this race two months ago, but with his win in the Grade I Arlington Million at 1 ¼ miles last month, a run in Breeders’ Cup Turf is now an option. Trainer Dale Romans plans on running Little Mike next in the 1 ½ miles Grade I Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont Park on 9/29. If Little Mike has trouble carrying his speed that far a cutback to the Breeders Cup Mile is to be expected.

Corporate Jungle appears a cut below the rest of the American contenders, but the 4-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway is lightly raced and improving with every start. His next start should come in Keeneland's Grade I Shadwell Turf Mile.

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