2014 Breeders’ Cup Mile Doings

Wise Dan showed the world that he will not give up his reign as the best turf miler this side of the Atlantic without a fight by courageously returning from colic surgery and scoring a victory in Saratoga’s Bernard Baruch. The two-time Horse of the Year will have one more prep race before defense of his titles in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on October 4 in Keeneland’s Shadwell Turf Mile. Among the most interesting of his opponents that day will likely be another defending Breeders’ Cup champion himself, Goldencents. Coming off perhaps his most impressive race of his career, when he ran away and hid from a good field in the Pat O’ Brien, which included Fed Biz, and last year’s third place finisher in the BC Mile, Silentio. He’s never run on turf before, but a good effort for the son of Into Mischief would leave his connections with several good options come the World Championships.

Out west, the duo of Tom’s Tribute and Obviously have dominated the middle distance grass races this spring and summer. The former carries the current form with a pair of sharp graded stakes wins at Del Mar, including running by the latter in the recent Del Mar Mile. The four-year-old son of Lion Heart is getting better all the time, and looks like a real threat to make his first run at the Breeders’ Cup count. Meanwhile, Obviously is no stranger to the Cup. Having been the speed of the speed the last two years. He will once again try to take them the entire trip this year, and on his best, he remains one they have to fear on the front end.

While Kingman has placed himself at the top of the heap across the pond, the horse whom he defeated in the Group 1 Sussex, Toronado is a solid number two among Europe’s top milers. Of the two, it looks Toronado is the one who may make the trip to Santa Anita. He’s all class, and has been since his juvenile debut two years ago. If he does come, his turn of foot could prove too much to handle for the home team. Another pair who could make some noise from Europe, include Anodin, a four-year-old from the familiar team of Wertheimer and Head, who has been quite competitive against the best in England and France of late, and the three-year-old Outstrip, who stormed to victory last year at Santa Anita in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Formerly campaigned in Europe, Seek Again has made quite an impression in the U.S. since coming over for Juddmonte Farm last fall. Keep in mind, the Hollywood Derby winner gave a healthy Wise Dan everything he wanted this spring at Churchill Downs, and his recent thrilling win over Grand Arch in the Fourstardave points out his good form. Look for him to take another shot at the champ in Keeneland’s Shadwell Turf Mile.

Speaking of Grand Arch, the improving gelding is part of a wide open field set to contest the Woodbine Mile on Sunday. Those in with a big shot north of the border, include the Poker winner Jack Milton, the Play the King winner Kaigun, and the always tough Summer Front, who has finished second in three consecutive graded stakes from coast to coast in his most recent trio of runs. A big performance by any one of the four would send them to California as a legitimate threat to upset the Wise Dan attempt at history.

Unfortunately, Variety Club, a major winner in South Africa, Dubai, and Hong Kong, has been removed from Breeders’ Cup consideration, per his trainer, Mike de Kock.

Finally, let’s take a look at some of the key races this year on the road to the Breeders’ Cup Mile...