From my uncle, Kevin Moquin: The Breeders’ Cup Mile epitomizes the Breeders Cup with entries coming from all over the world. With many of the horses in this field having the same racing style, this race could have the look of a stampede charge coming down the stretch. With a field of 14 horses, the best horse might not win. Racing luck and quick jockey decision making will probably be the difference in the outcome. European horses have had the advantage shipping over the last two years taking down some of America’s best turf races.
From Joe Burns: Another Breeders’ Cup is upon us and the annual tug of war between the American and European based turf runners comes with it. Historically speaking, the Turf Mile is the most balanced of the events. Last year, Order of Australia tilted the tote board and the balance of power in favor of European based turfers. This year, the best chances for the United States reside in the southern California based males with typical strong contention from abroad.
1- Master of Seas
Kevin: This 3 year old colt has been having trouble at the start of his European races. That might be very comprising for him in this full field of graded stakes winners. Jockey William Buick chooses to ride Space Blues for Godolphin.
2- Smooth Like Strait
Kevin: He seems to be camera shy settling for 2nd his last three races. Local California trainer Mike McCarthy hopes mile turf specialist Umberto Rispoli can get him to wire 1st this time.
3- Space Blues
Kevin: Probable favorite and world traveler is in great form for the aforementioned Godolphin Stable. Trainer Charles Appleby has had great success bringing Godolphin horses to America going 4 for 16 this year.
Joe: Space Blues is coming into this race as sharp as a tack. His prior on Arc d’Triomphe day was contested on a surface not meant for man or beast and finished in a supersonic 1:22 4/5 for 7/8 of a mile as compared to the main event Arc that went in 2:37 3/5 for 1 ½ miles and the 1 ¼ miles Prix de L’Opera (distaff turf) in 2:11. Outside of a dull race in Dubai in March, it appears as if the connections have been pointed towards this race since last year.
4- Raging Bull
Kevin: Chad Brown trainee has the barns go to rider Irad Ortiz up for the mount. The Bull’s form at 6 years old seems to be trending downward. Posting 97 and 98 BSF in his last two races.
Joe: It is a major turf race and Chad Brown has two entered, Raging Bull (#4) and Blowout (#10). Of the duo, Raging Bull has been through the rigors and on occasion can fire an “A” race that makes him look like a stud. His last two starts could be excused in the abstract sense, he seems to have a dislike for Woodbine and Saratoga turf courses as evidenced by his last four starts over these courses. His final quarter moves make him an intimidating horse to leave off of exotic tickets.
5- Vin de Garde
Kevin: This Japanese bred brings jockey Y. Fukunaga with him. He’s fairly lightly raced this year with only three starts. One of them being an impressive 2nd the Dubai Turf G1 this past March.
6- Mo Forza
Kevin: This guy falls under the handicapping cliché of horses for courses. With six starts over the Del Mar turf he has 3 first place finishes with two seconds. He has California’s leading jockey Flavien Prat riding.
Joe: Mo Forza has been the bull of the southern Californian milers for the past two seasons and was sidelined from his championship opportunity last year when he was better. This year’s model has been scrapping it out with Smooth Like Strait (#2) and Hit the Road (#8), who were posting respectable efforts prior to Mo Forza’s August return.
7- In Love
Kevin: Trainer Paulo Lobo was so impressed with this 5 year old gelding’s last effort in the Keeneland Turf Mile G1 posting a 104 BSF and getting his third consecutive win that he’s taking a shot in here. He’ll have to duplicate or better his last effort to get the winner’s circle in this one.
8- Hit the Road (SCRATCHED)
Kevin: Another local California racer who has finished third to Mo Farza and Smooth Like Strait in his last two races. Gets veteran hall of fame rider John Velazquez.
9- Mother Earth
Kevin: This 3 year old filly returns to the Breeders Cup for for Irish trainer Aiden O’Brien. This big field won’t scare her as she’s had plenty of practice racing in Europe. Ryan Moore takes the trip over the pond to take the mount.
Joe: Mother Earth will attract attention with good reason, the three year old filly has Aidan O’Brien in her corner. His upset winner Order of Australia at 74-1 last year in this event has to rank up there as far as major upsets and most confounding in the history of the Breeders’ Cup. This filly has been through the tough European schedule for middle distance horses and has represented herself very well all things considered with seven of eight in the money finishes and two major victories. Getting six pounds away from the older male counterparts is an edge that cant be overlooked.
10- Blowout
Kevin: This 5 year old mare shows up to take on the boys after posting a career high 103 BSF at Keenland a month ago in the G1 Fast Lady. Chad Brown gets the services of Joel Rosario forming a formidable jockey trainer combo. She’ll be challenging for the lead, but will she be able to lead all the way?
Joe: Blowout is here because there isn’t a race specific to middle distance fillies and mares. She will be up front early, but for how long?
11- Got Stormy
Kevin: The 2nd place finisher in the 2019 version of this race comes into this race with some inconsistent form. He did fire a 104 BSF in the G1 Four Star Dave at Saratoga in August. He has the underrated Tyler Gaffalione, his usual rider, up for the mount.
12- Pearls Galore
Kevin: Another filly trying the boys for Irish trainer Paddy Tworney. Jockey Billy Lee follows her over for the ride. This European filly unlike most of her fellow Euros likes to be up or close to the lead.
13- Casa Creed
Kevin: He’s been trying sprinting three of his last four races. Now stretches back out to a mile. Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott is very crafty and his horses can never be ignored.
14- Ivar
Kevin: He returns to the Breeders’ Cup Mile after posting a fourth place finish at Keeneland in last year’s version of this race. Paulo Lobo’s second entry here. Jockey Joe Talalomo returns to his old California stomping grounds to ride.
ALSO ELIGIBLE IF SCRATCHES OCCUR
15- Real Appeal
Kevin: German bred gelding comes from racing in Ireland for trainer Jessica Harrington and jockey Shane Foley. Taking the step up to Grade 1 after racing competitively in Grade 2 and 3 races over the summer.
16- Queen Supreme
Kevin: A rare South African racer arrives at Del Mar for trainer Andrew Balding. He’ll need to step up his game if he gets in to be competitive in this field.
Kevin’s Picks:
1st- I’m putting the 6, Mo Forza, on top. This horse loves running over the Del Mar turf, 3 for 6 in the winner’s circle with two 2nd’s, and he’s six for eight at the distance with one 2nd, which is too much for me to pass on. Getting California’s leading jockey is an added plus.
2nd- Space Blues– Godolphin Appleby connection too strong to not place in the top two. Distance might cost him the win.
3rd- Got Stormy, 17 out of 20 in the money success gets my nod for hitting the board.
4th- Smooth Like Strait– 5 for 5 placing over the Del Mar turf with 1 mile turf master Rispoli and consistent 100 BSF makes this horse very dangerous.
Joe’s Picks:
As far as wagering strategy goes for this race, I feel that Space Blues is a force to be reckoned with here. Exactas and triples for the big days pay well despite shorter priced winners and should be looked at as a way to navigate a day full of tough, quality racing.
Win #3(Space Blues)
Exacta Box 3/2,4,6,8,9
Triple key 3/2,4,6,8,9/2,4,6,8,9
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