Report: Siskin pointing toward Breeders' Cup Mile

According to a report from Sportinglife, star European miler Siskin will be pointed towards the Breeders' Cup Mile.

Trained by Ger Lyons, the 3-year-old was deemed unlikely to run in the Breeders' Cup. But after the surprise announcement that owner Juddmonte Farms will retire this colt prior to his 4-year-old campaign, Lyons altered course.

“I didn’t want to send him as a 3-year-old to the Breeders’ Cup," Lyons said on Nick Luck's Daily Podcast. "But he won’t be staying in training at four so the Breeders’ Cup now becomes an option and at this moment he is being trained with that in mind.

“He’s going to stand in Japan. I’m gutted. In many ways I’m delighted for him as he’ll get a serious quality book of mares that he maybe wouldn’t get in Ireland, but I’d have loved to have trained him at 4."

Siskin won his first five races to begin his career, including wins in the Irish 2000 Guineas (G1) and the Sussex Stakes (G1). He was fourth after breaking slowly most recently behind the talented trio of Persian King, Pinatubo and Circus Maximus in the Prix Du Moulin de Longchamp (G1).

Pinatubo was the early favorite for the Breeders' Cup Mile before being retired. Circus Maximus is considering a run in the Mile.

Lyons said Siskin enjoys firm ground and that advance forecasts will play a role in his decision, according to the Sportinglife report.

“It has been lovely ground at Keeneland, but I got a video through yesterday of torrential rain. I worked in Keeneland so I’ll have to touch base. I wouldn’t like to see him over there on soft ground,” he said.

The Kentucky-bred by First Defence certainly has a tremendous shot in the Mile and likely would be among the favorites, behind fellow European Kameko.