BC Dirt Mile – GI
11/7/20
KEE Race 6 1M – Dirt
Purse $1,000.000
Three Year Olds and Up

Here we are to look at this years field for the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile. Many of these are either just great milers or were aiming towards the Classic but switched to this race because usually this is a little easier spot. Let’s take a look at the field.

1. Socrates (16-5-2-1 $570.900), trained by Mb Stables

First in the field here and coming out of the Mb Stables barn this horse has been winless since the grade three Gotham earlier this year. Not much from him really in any big races this year. I do not see him being much of a factor in this race.

2. Grandstand Jockey (14-5-1-2 $887.000), trained by John Henry

Next up in the field here and this horse is going to be making his first start for the John Henry barn in this race. Privately purchased by the barn and this horse likes to come from off the pace so he will need a quick pace for any chance to win. Going to have to step it up to win.

3. Ice Wall (30-8-11-1 $383.880), trained by RNP Stables

Next up in the race here is this horse and he is coming into this race off of a second in the grade two Kelso Handicap. Seems like he is usually closer to the lead so I think he may be in the front half of this field in the early parts. Going to need a career best to win here.

4. Anoush Command (14-4-3-1 $1,560.200), trained by Fractious

This years Queens Plate winner right here and he was also in the Derby and Preakness fields. He also won the Florida Derby earlier this year. Last time a bad race in the Pennsylvania Derby but I think he will rebound in this spot and I see him being able to run a big race and come away with a win in this field.

5. Broken Tap (29-10-7-4 $1,307.150), trained by Arindel

Up to this runner here and he is coming into this race off of a win in the Ack Ack at Churchill in his last race. That has been his only win this year so maybe he is starting to come into form at the right time. Could have a shot I’d he likes the two turn mile as much as the one turn mile from his last win.

6. Marx On The Moon (22-5-3-3 $832.200), trained by Court Jester Racing

Hard trying horse right here and he has two graded stakes wins on the year in the Iselin at Monmouth and also the O’Brien at Santa Anita. Last race a good fourth in in the Kelso Handicap but I do think he could possibly be a better one turn horse than two turns. Not out of the question of winning but he’ll have to run a good one.

7. Shadow Man (15-6-2-3 $752.180), trained by Axeman

Up next in the field and this is this years winner of the Indiana and West Virginia Derbies. Last time he was sixth in the Pennsylvania Derby and he did not run a bad race that day. If he can run back to those races three and four back he will definitely have a shot a winning this race and I think he is one of the favorites.

8. Notorious Temper (15-5-1-0 $1,129.500), trained by John Henry

Second runner for John Henry in this race and this horse won the Arkansas Derby earlier this year but he has been winless since. I think he is just out of form and I do not see him standing much of a shot unless he runs a career best in here.
9. So Profound (13-5-0-2 $946.540), trained by Asgar

This years Metropolitan Handicap winner and also the winner of the grade three Toboggan also. The Met Mile is one of the toughest races on the year and he ended up winning that day. But it does seem to me that he is probably a better one turn horse so I do not know if he will be able to beat some of these.

10. Silent Commander (11-4-3-1 $564.840), trained by Serenity Stables

Next up in the field here is the grade three Peter Pan winner earlier this year. His last start was a good second in the grade three Longacres Mile up at Emerald but this is the toughest field he has ever faced. Going to have to run a huge race to have any chance at winning.

11. Unbridled Passion (9-4-2-1 $292.920), trained by Mb Stables

Second runner for Mb Stables right here and he is coming into this race off of two graded stakes wins in a row. He was the winner of the grade three BC Derby and then the grade two Fayette by a nose. He’s got a win over this track but not a great post. He will have to work out a trip but if he does I think he will be there late.

12. Reach For A Latte (25-6-6-1 $968.600), trained by Fractious

Here up next is a grade one winner on the year and he won the grade one Forego at Saratoga on the mud back in August. He ran a good race and obviously loves an off track but I am surprised to see him lining up in the Dirt mile to be honest. Could be a better sprinter in my opinion but he is not bad at a route either. Could have an outside chance with a good trip.

13. Black And Red (12-2-8-0 $655.430), trained by Australia Wide

A bridesmaid too often it seems for this horse and he was second in the Pennsylvania Derby in his last start. His big win came in the Texas Derby at Lone Star this spring and he has rounded off a good campaign. Tough post draw though especially here at Keeneland so going to have to have a dream trip to win.

14. Splash Mountain (32-7-7-7 $6,199.660), trained by John Henry

Well the obvious class horse of the race but it is no secret that he is not the horse he used to be. He has been a stellar racehorse is entire career and this could be a swansong for him. He has drawn terrible and is not as good as he once was but maybe he can reach the peak of the mountain one more time.

15. Dive Mission (23-10-2-3 $218.780), trained by Kingelleinc

Also Eligible

16. Bee Blue (9-2-1-2 $52.820), trained by Calia Stable
Also Eligible

Summary

A pretty solid field for the Dirt Mile this year with some sprinters stretching out and some horses trying to make a real name for themselves. Top choice goes to Anoush Command as I think he may have a slight edge over some of these in the field. Good luck to all in this race.

4-11-13-7

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES