A pair of 4-year-olds coming off outstanding performances and based on opposite coasts with Hall of Fame trainers will make for an intriguing matchup in the Grade 1, $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Nov. 5 at Keeneland. Laurel River is the 5-2 early favorite for the race on Daily Racing Form’s line set by Brad Free. The Bob Baffert-trained runner earned a berth into the race for his win in the Pat O’Brien on Aug. 27 at Del Mar. The same afternoon at Saratoga, the Bill Mott-trained Cody’s Wish captured the Forego. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 112 for his win over champion Jackie’s Warrior, with the number tied for second-highest on the year in races up to a mile. Laurel River earned a Beyer of 108, which also ranks among the top figures of 2022. Both horses will be moving from seven furlongs to two turns for the Dirt Mile, a race that will end at the first finish line at Keeneland. :: BREEDERS’ CUP 2022: See DRF’s special section with top contenders, odds, comments, news, and more for each division Laurel River has won both of his starts at a mile, in two-turn races at Del Mar. “I like the two turns better for him,” Baffert said. “He’s the kind of horse he likes Del Mar. Del Mar is like Keeneland, got those tighter turns. He likes to run in the turns, so he should like it. It should suit him well, that track.” Cody’s Wish has won five races at a mile, but all at a one-turn configuration at either Belmont Park or Churchill Downs. “I wish it was one, but it’s not, so we’ll have to deal with it,” Mott said. Cody’s Wish was winning his third straight race in the Forego, when he closed from last to cover the distance in a blazing 1:20.95. It was a defining victory for the horse, Mott noted. “He won a Grade 1 last time,” he said. “He beat probably one of the best two sprinters in the country last time.” On the other side of the country, Laurel River stalked the pace in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien and went on to a 3 3/4-length victory. He also was winning his third straight race. :: Bet the Breeders' Cup with a $200 First Deposit Match and FREE Formulator PPs. Join DRF Bets. “Laurel River ran very well at Del Mar, and the horse that ran third to him, Senor Buscador, came back and won the Ack Ack,” Baffert said. “That sort of makes that race look a little stronger.” Following the O’Brien, Baffert decided to train Laurel River up to the Breeders’ Cup. “He runs well fresh,” he said. “My only spots to run him were either in the sprint here or the mile and eighth. He’s a good work horse, so I know I can get him ready off a little bit of a layoff. He looks fantastic. He looks great. He should be at his best come Breeders’ Cup.” Senor Buscador earned a berth into the Dirt Mile for his Ack Ack win at Churchill. The field for the Dirt Mile also could include Grade 1 winner Gunite. He is being considered for the race, but also the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, trainer Steve Asmussen said. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.