Maker's Mark Mile speed figures show a well-matched field

Keeneland's Grade 1, $650,000 Maker's Mark Mile is a rite of spring in the bluegrass. A favorite spot for top turf horses to return to action, the Maker's Mile has been the jumping-off race for champions such as Wise Dan, Miesque's Approval, Kip Deville and Preakness winner War of Will.

The 2025 edition has drawn a field of nine 4-year-olds and up, with three making their seasonal bows at the one-mile distance. Among them is Carl Spackler, a 5-year-old horse out of the Chad Brown barn who returns after a smashing 4-year-old season, winning four stakes, including the Keeneland Turf Mile (G1), before finishing a disappointing sixth in the Breeders' Cup Mile. If he wins, he will be the third horse to complete the Turf Mile-Maker's Mile double, after Wise Dan and Perfect Soul.

Coming into the race off a runner-up finish in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) is Integration, who ran third in this race last year. The cutback in distance and shorter field with a pressured pace could move the Shug McGaughey trainee into the win spot this time.

The only contender entering this race off a last-out win is Seminole Chief for Jack Sisterson. Seminole Chief tried the Derby trail in the Withers last year as a 3-year-old, but has blossomed at 4 with the switch to turf, winning the Appleton Stakes at Gulfstream.

Carl Spackler owns the fastest HRN speed figure at 134. Next fastest is Integration with a 132. These two are the only contenders with 100-plus speed figures on all four scales over the past 12 months. Carl Spackler also has the fastest TimeformUS Speed Figure at 131, with Northern Invader coming in with a 127. Integration is just behind with a 126.

Integration earned the fastest Brisnet Speed Rating with a 101, and Carl Spackler is a tick behind in 100. Finally, Carl Spackler has the fastest Beyer Speed Figure at 104, with Integration next at 102 and Funtastic Again the only other contender to hit 100 on this scale. Funtastic Again is the only other horse to have 100-plus speed figuress on three of the scales. 

The pace for this edition of the Maker's Mark Mile projects to be swift with a lot of pressure, with as many as six horses doing their best running while on or pressing the lead. Mature turf runners usually have the mindset to take back and wait if their rider asks them, so they have plenty of gas left for the final furlong. Look at horses who might not be as fast out of the gate but who can still track mid-pack and get the jump on the late closers in this race.

Here are all the top speed figures from the past year for the Maker's Mark Mile entrants.

*Beyer and TimeformUS speed figures are provided courtesy of Daily Racing Form.