Master of The Seas leads 8-horse field for Maker’s Mark Mile

Master of The Seas, last seen winning the Breeders’ Cup Mile, headlines a field of eight entered for Friday’s running of the Grade 1, $600,000 Maker’s Mark Mile for 4-year-olds and up racing over the turf. It will go as the ninth of 10 races at Keeneland with a 5:16 p.m. EDT post time.

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Bred and owned by Godolphin and trained by Charlie Appleby, Master of The Seas returns to Keeneland, where he finished second beaten a nose by eventual turf-male champion Up to the Mark in the October running of the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1). William Buick has the mount on the 6-year-old gelding from post 4.

Naval Power also races for Godolphin and Appleby. The winner of the Singspiel (G2) in Dubai in his most recent start, the 4-year-old gelding will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione from post 3.

Shirl’s Speight, winner of the 2022 Maker’s Mark Mile, will attempt to join Wise Dan from 2013 and 2014 and Kip Deville from 2007 and 2008 as the only two-time winners of the race. Eighth behind Master of The Seas in the Breeders’ Cup, Shirl’s Speight will be ridden by Luis Sáez from post 6 for trainer Roger Attfield and owner Charles Fipke.

Du Jour invades from California. Bob Baffert trains for his wife Jill, who owns the 6-year-old gelding with Debbie Lanni. Du Jour gained millionaire status by winning the Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1) in his most recent start March 3 at Santa Anita. John Velázquez has the mount from post 7.