BC Dirt Mile – G1

$1,000.00 For Three Year Olds And Upward – 1 Mile – Dirt
Keeneland – October 31, 2026

You have to be fast and you have to have a little bit of stamina to you if you want to win at a mile. In that regard the mile could be seen as perhaps the fairest distance to compete at, a sort of meeting in the middle. In light of that you will see an interesting mix of horses in races at a mile and this race is no exception. You have horses cutting back and you have sprinters hoping to extend their speed just a little bit more. It has even drawn the winner of this year’s Belmont and Haskell. This year’s BC Dirt Mile has a field of fourteen set to compete with several on the outside looking in from the also eligible list. Keeneland does not often run mile races on the dirt and there is a very good reason for that. You basically break right into the first turn so outside post positions begin at a distinct disadvantage. Not ideal.

1. Decima Tech
Owner/Trainer: The Sidley Stud (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: P. Lopez (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: The Sidley Stud (WV) – Techfluence Heat/Appealing Decima (American Decima) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 11-4-1-1
Earnings: $567.60
How did he get here: Winner G2 Dandy, Winner G3 Peter Pan
BC Qualifying Rank: 26

Three year old gelding is stepping outside of races restricted to his age group for the first time. He has been very successful against his crop having won the G3 Peter Pan back in May and the G2 The Dandy at Saratoga. Those two wins sandwiched a third place head loss in the G3 OH Derby. Those three races set him up well for the G1 Travers but he ran a disappointing seventh that day. He has not been seen since that race and it has to be hoped that he will come off the break refreshed and sharp. Fast works indicate that may be the case. 

2. The Stone Pony
Owner/Trainer: Maletto (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: Jam Rodriguez (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Maletto (Pa) Valiant/Sneaky Condottieri (Condotieri) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 28-9-6-5
Earnings: $536.05 
How did he get here: Second in G1 The Whitney
BC Qualifying Rank: N/A

The Stone Pony ran in last year’s G1 BC Dirt Mile and finished eleventh. He is hoping for a better finish this year. It will be his first race at the mile distance since last year’s BC but he has found success since both sprinting and going a route of ground. He has won the McKenney Handicap and the Banjo Picker Sprint which were both six furlongs and restricted to horses bred in the state of PA. His best race however was the G1 Whitney which was nine furlongs and he only lost that be a head when he finished second to Salah. He earned a career high 103 SRF speed figure in that race. His last race was a seventy in the G1 JC Gold Cup at ten furlongs. He might appreciate the cut back to a mile. 

3. Test The Waters
Owner/Trainer: Mb Stables (Prior Wins: 2 – Moment Of Madness 2016, The Right Stuff 2017)
Jockey: L. Saez (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Mb Stables (ON) Sweet Sweat/Blue Indigo (Commanding) (Prior Wins: 2 Moment Of Madness 2016, The Right Stuff 2017)
Record: 32-7-8-2
Earnings: $2,353.69
How did he get here: Won the G2 CT Classic, Won G3 The PRM Cornhusker Handicap
BC Qualifying Rank: 31

The first of three entries from Mb Stables who is seeking a third win in this race. He is a multiple graded stakes winner this year and has won three of his seven 2026 races. This past July he won the G3 PRM Cornhusker Handicap and then followed that up by winning the $1,000.00 G2 CT Classic. A month ago he tried to add a G1 to his streak but came up a length short when he finished fourth in the G1 Goodwood Stakes. He didn’t gain the win but he did extend his streak of 100 or better SRF speed figures to three races leading into this race. The shorter mile distance might suit his forward running style. 

4. Blacketer
Owner/Trainer: Serenity Stables (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: F. Pennington (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Royalty Stables (NY) Hide And Seek/Vernon (Valvano) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 9-3-1-2
Earnings: $453.19
How did he get here: Second in G3 OK Derby
BC Qualifying Rank: N/A

He began his three year old season winning a N1X allowance race at CT. He was sold a month later for $300.00. Since the sale he has been ambitiously placed in several graded races including the G1 The PRK where he finished tenth to Gogh Wild. He fared much better elsewhere however, including a third in the G1 The AR Derby. He was also a very close fourth in the G1 The Jerkens Memorial losing by less than a length. His last prep race for this Breeder’s Cup was perhaps his best race of the year. He ran a solid second in the G2 OK Derby. He is another cutting back in distance and he has two straight bullet works vouching for his current form. 

5. Excogitator
Owner/Trainer: Family Racing (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: E.J. Zayas (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Jerry Garcia Racing (Ky) Cherokee Sunset/By My Side (No Doubt About It) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 30-8-5-5
Earnings: 723.75
How did he get here: Third in G2 OBrien Stakes
BC Qualifying Rank: N/A

Five year old gelding ran in last year’s Breeder’s Cup finishing twelfth in the BC Sprint. His connections hope that the additional quarter mile of the BC Dirt Mile moves him way up in the results chart. There is every reason to expect a much better finish this year given that he comes into this race off of a string of very good races. He has been fast and competitive all year. Following an allowance win in March he has been fourth on the grass in the G3 American Stakes, third in the G3 Triple Bend Stakes losing by a neck, second in an allowance and third in the G2 OBrien where he was seeking to be a repeat winner. Can do it on his best. 

6. Classic Look
Owner/Trainer: Nakamura Stables (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: D.E. Centeno (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Nakamura Stables (NY) The Jack/Michilinski (Res Judicata) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 35-8-9-2
Earnings: $938.47
How did he get here: Won G3 Monmouth Cup, Second in G3 Ack Ack
BC Qualifying Rank: 22

Started his 2026 season by winning the G2 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita Park in a dead heat with Special Event. It was his second graded stakes win in a row and seemed to portend a banner year was on tap for the veteran five year old. He the proceeded to struggle a bit with four straight off the board finishes before finding his winning form again at the Jersey Shore when he came home ahead of seven others in the G3 MTH Cup. His last race was his first start of the year at the mile distance and he ran a promising second in the G3 Ack Ack. He is approaching $1,000.00 in career earnings and a good placing here will get him there. 

7. My Tomorrows
Owner/Trainer: Maxmillion Farm (Prior Wins: 1 – Gran Z 2022)
Jockey: S.X. Bridgmohan (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Wood Duck Stables (NY) Moment In Time/Sit Down Shut Up (Grande Sournoise) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 25-13-5-5
Earnings: $1,088.98
How did he get here: Won G3 Sexton Mile, Won G3 The Hanshin
BC Qualifying Rank: 9

It seems strange to say it but in the ultimate one mile dirt race of the year it is a bit or a rarity to have an entrant who actually has specialized in that distance throughout the year. My Tomorrows has made five starts at the distance and has found success that has to be very encouraging to his connections. Four of those five races were graded stakes and he finished on the board in all three. He was third in the G3 GP Mile followed by a second in the G3 Westchester at Aqueduct. He then reeled off two impressive wins in the G3 Sexton Mile and the G3 The Hanshin. It is worth noting the two 103 SRF speed figures he produced in both of those wins. He has had one race since then which was a third in the G1 Forego at seven furlongs. He returns to a mile and looms a threat. 

8. Demonic Chant
Owner/Trainer: Mo Mentum Farm (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: B. Curtis (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Tockyocky (Pa) Majestic Mayhem/Water Loops (Waterworks) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 34-8-6-8
Earnings: $579.41
How did he get here: Second in G3 The Iselin Stakes, Third in G3 PRM Cornhusker Handicap
BC Qualifying Rank: N/A

Demonic Chant started the year winning an $18.00 claiming race and now finds himself in the Breeder’s Cup. Along the way he has changed barns a couple of times. He was claimed for $18.00 in January and ran one time for Axeman before being claimed for $50.00 by current trainer Mo Mentum Farm. He switched to routing in June and won an allowance race at Woodbine by three lengths. He has three times in graded stakes since and has acquitted himself well enough to be given a chance here. He finished third in the G2 Wood Memorial way back in his three year old season two years ago and did not gain additional graded black type until his third behind Test The Waters in the G3 PRM Cornhusker Handicap three months ago. He then finished second in the the G3 Iselin Stakes and comes into the BC off of a fifth in the G1 Goodwood Stakes. It has been a good season and he has three straight triple digit SRF speed figures but it seems like  he needs to find another gear if he wants to win this. 

9. Need Cash Now
Owner/Trainer: Pan Farms (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: A.A. Gallardo (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Luz International (Tex) Oh I Like/Dealer Has Blackjack (Roebuck) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 16-4-5-0
Earnings: $1,160.30
How did he get here: Won G1 The Stephens, Second in G2 Day Mile Stakes
BC Qualifying Rank: 14

Three year old gelding is a multiple stakes winner this year including the G1 Stephens at Saratoga in June at seven furlongs. His one race at a mile was a near miss second in the G2 Day Mile Stakes. You would have to consider him a contender if you look at those two races in isolation. However…his prep race for the BC was in a $12.00 allowance where he finished second. He was then sold for $100.00 by a barn that you would think would not be giving up G1 winners that could contend for a BC win. He ran against older in the allowance race but he seems to have tailed off since the Stephens win. Maybe the new barn can find the switch to turn his current form around. 

10. Petit A Petit
Owner/Trainer: Jerry Garcia Racing (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: R.M. Hernandez (Prior Wins: 3 – Unfold 2019, Seydoux II 2023, Lunar Victory 2024)
Breeder: Jerry Garcia Racing (Ky) Excoriator/Qui Vivra Verra (Bronx Bomber) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 9-3-2-0
Earnings: $852.00
How did he get here: Won G2 Day Mile Stakes, Won G3 Perryville
BC Qualifying Rank: 30

He was a winner of the G2 Day Mile Stakes back in May. Wins at a mile are had to find in this test of best milers so make that a big plus for him. He has run sparringly this year but, aside from his thirteenth in the G1 PRK, he has run very well every time so he only goes to the gate when he is ready. He has a close fourth in the G3 OH Derby after leading most of the way. He missed winning the Super Derby by a half length and then he won the G3 Perryville just two weeks ago posting a career high SRF of 101. The quick turnaround is a concern given that it seems he has lost six pounds (as of this writing three days before the race) since the Perryville. Faces older for the first time. 

11. Open Invitation
Owner/Trainer: Mb Stables (Prior Wins: 2 – Moment Of Madness 2016, The Right Stuff 2017)
Jockey: R. Santana Jr. (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Mb Stables (ON) Inviting/Con Minou (Con Artist) (Prior Wins: 2 – Moment Of Madness 2016, The Right Stuff 2017)
Record: 18-4-5-3
Earnings: $2,109.44
How did he get here: Won G1 PA Derby, Won G3 The Southwest
BC Qualifying Rank: 12

The second of three barnmates entered is coming into the race off of three straight wins. He won the G3 Southwest at Oaklawn Park in January but then his form dropped off including two disappointing runs in the G1 PRK (eighth) and G1 BEL (seventh). Since then he has only won steadily progressing through wins in a N2X at Saratoga, The Kings Plate for Canadian breds and the G1 PA Derby. He is working fast and coming into the race on a win streak and improving form which is exactly what you would want to see. Main concerns are his post position and that he might prefer a distance longer than the one mile. 

12. Cherokee Monster
Owner/Trainer: TwinTowersRacing (Prior Wins: 2 – Siberian Shooter 2011, Eight West Party 2025)
Jockey: M. Franco (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: TwinTowersRacing (Cal) Cherokee Twins/Making A Monster (Starship Majestic) (Prior Wins: 1 – Siberian Shooter 2011)
Record: 14-3-2-1
Earnings: $1,070.00
How did he get here: Won G3 The OH Derby
BC Qualifying Rank: 24

It is hard to fault a horse who is a graded stakes winner along with several graded stakes placings, made it to the gate for the G1 Kentucky Derby and banked $850.00 but even with all of those accomplishments he has spent the year in the shadow of his stablemate Gogh Wild. The highlight of his year has been his win in the G3 The OH Derby in June. He then put in good runs in the G1 Haskell (fourth) and G1 Travers (fifth). He battled for the lead before fading in the Travers and then he cut back to a mile in the G3 Ack Ack where he never really did much running and finished seventh and older. That race was only a month ago and he would need to have found a form reversal since then. 

13. Quantum Pursuit
Owner/Trainer: Mb Stables (Prior Wins: 2 – Moment Of Madness 2016, The Right Stuff 2017)
Jockey: J.R. Velasquez (Prior Wins: 1 – Moment Of Madness 2016)
Breeder: Mb Stables (Cal) Walk Em Down/Quantum Charger (Wired Up) (Prior Wins: 2 – Moment Of Madness 2016, The Right Stuff 2017)
Record: 10-4-4-0
Earnings: $2,682.00
How did he get here: Won G1 Belmont Stakes, Won G1 The Haskell
BC Qualifying Rank: 1

There are a lot of things to like about Quantum Pursuit. Ranks number one in qualifying for this race and is trained by the perennial leading barn. He has had a phenomenal sophomore season. His fourteenth place in the G1 KYD was a throwaway anomaly. He has won the G1 BEL and G1 Haskell as well as the G2 San Felipe Stakes. He missed winning the G2 Lewis Stakes by a head and finished second in the G1 Travers and G1 PA Derby in his last two starts. Like I said, a phenomenal year. What’s not to like then? The thirteen post and that he might want a little more distance than the flat mile. His two furlong work over the weekend though may be a distance meter tweak to address that. 

14. Brooklyn Bash
Owner/Trainer: Maxmillion Farm (Prior Wins: 1 – Gran Z 2022)
Jockey: G. Corrales (Prior Wins: 0)
Breeder: Riggins Racing (Cal) Celebrate/Plenty Of That (Bay Of Plenty) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 24-6-2-7
Earnings: $627.84
How did he get here: Won G2 OBrien Stakes (Win and You’re In)
BC Qualifying Rank: 50

Did not find the winners circle in 2026 until his sixth start of the year in NX4 at Del Mar in August. He parlayed that found good form three weeks later into a victory  in the “Win and You’re In” G2 OBrien Stakes. That win guaranteed him a spot here and it also brought some interest from Maxmillion Farm which purchased him after the OBrien from First Flight Stable for $275.00. He has not raced since August and the BC will be his first start for the new barn. The works are very sharp but it is unfortunate that he draws post fourteen and has to break from the far outside right into the turn. 

AE1. Firing Squad
Owner/Trainer: TwinTowersRacing (Prior Wins: 2 – Siberian Shooter 2011, Eight West Party 2025)
Jockey: TBD
Breeder: TwinTowersRacing (Ky) Darkest Night/Small Craft Warning (Paul) (Prior Wins: 1 – Siberian Shooter 2011)
Record: 13-2-2-2
Earnings: $477.40
How did he get here: Third in G3 The WV Derby
BC Qualifying Rank: N/A

He has has some good results this year including a stakes win in the VA Derby. He finished third in the G3 WV Derby where he gained his first triple digit SRF speed figure. His last race was a step back, finishing a fading ninth in the G1 PA Derby. Will need a scratch to get into the main field but will be faced with a big challenge with the inherited outside post. 

AE2. Ranger Jim
Owner/Trainer: Williams9 (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: TBD
Breeder: Arkansas Elite (ON) Reaper Ranger/Girl Pride (Condottieri) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 14-2-2-2
Earnings: $148.12
How did he get here: Won The Ocala Sophomore
BC Qualifying Rank: N/A

SCRATCHED

AE3. Long Ride
Owner/Trainer: Williams9 (Prior Wins: 0)
Jockey: TBD
Breeder: South Shore Stables (Ky) Graveyard/Betty Lou (Proud Chai) (Prior Wins: 0)
Record: 10-3-1-1
Earnings: $24.90
How did he get here: Won an Optional Claimer/Name placed in entry box
BC Qualifying Rank: N/A

He was purchased for $70.00 in February and has one win for his new barn since then. He won a N3X optional claimer in June. His last race was a thirty two length loss in the G2 CT Classic. Before that effort he was ninth in the G1 Haskell. If he gets in he will have to show more but is working well. 

The starting gate being right in front of the turn is really biasing my assessment here and I am hoping I am wrong and the horses drawn outside get a fair shot at it. There is a reason though they don’t run a mile at Keeneland very often and, in my opinion, if they want the Breeder’s Cup they should come up with a solution that accommodate ALL of the races that need to be run in fairness to the competitors who work all year to gain entry for this season ending climactic contest. Ok, soap box put away here are my picks in consideration of the race configuration. I like My Tomorrows who seems like a pure miler who has been running consistently top notch races. Behind him I would put Test The Waters, Quantum Pursuit and The Stone Pony in that order. 

Categories: BC 2026, Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES, THE BREEDERS CUP