A Gold Mine in the Mile?

Of the 14 Breeders' Cup races, the biggest favorite is likely to be in the Mile, where Goldikova goes for her unprecedented third consecutive victory on the Churchill Downs turf. The 5-year-old mare tuned up for her title defense with an impressive half-length victory over soft turf in the Prix de la Foret on Oct. 3, proving she has not lost a step.

When she won at Santa Anita a year ago, Goldokiva was the 7-5 favorite. She is likely to be every bit of that, or lower, this time around, and deservedly so. Currently, she is listed at about 6-5 in the British books. She is also likely to be a single on many pick 4 and pick 6 tickets. In my opinion, only Midday in the BC Filly & Mare Turf could be a bigger favorite than Goldikova at Churchill, and that's because the field is not shaping up to be that strong.

There is no denying Goldikova's brilliance. She is an 11-time group/grade I winner, has earned more than $5 million, and has beaten the world's top milers everywhere Freddie Head has taken her--France, England, and the United States. While defeating males here is major news, with Goldikova it's the norm. Simply put, she is one of the best we've ever seen.