Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile: No exclusions likely

A number of horses remain possible for the Dirt Mile, but it doesn’t appear as though the $1 million race at Keeneland will be oversubscribed when pre-enteries are taken Monday. Owing to a short run to the first turn, the field is capped at 12, plus two also-eligible horses.

The connections of Liam’s Map last week settled on the Dirt Mile over the Classic. He is among the fastest horses in the nation and looms the shortest-priced favorite of this year’s Breeders’ Cup. Liam’s Map’s 114 Beyer Speed Figure for wiring the Woodward Stakes is tied with Beholder’s 114 for the Pacific Classic as the highest Beyers of 2015.

Liam’s Map had his second workout on Keeneland’s main track Sunday, breezing five furlongs in 1:00.40 and galloping out six furlongs in 1:13.40. Trainer Todd Pletcher said he wanted a “stamina-building work” for the 4-year-old Unbridled’s Song colt.

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The first, second and fourth finishers from the Kelso Handicap at Belmont Park – Appealing Tale, Red Vine, and Tamarkuz – are possible starters in the Oct. 30 Dirt Mile. Appealing Tale splashed to a front-running win in the Kelso and would project as the main early challenger to Liam’s Map should his connections opt for the Dirt Mile over the Sprint.

According to trainer Christophe Clement, Red Vine is still possible for the Dirt Mile. Clement said he and owner Jon Kelly will make a decision after Red Vine works this weekend.

In the hopes of getting a fast pace to run at, War Story will take a shot in the Dirt Mile, said Ron Paolucci of Looch Racing Stables. The 3-year-old gelding is winless from seven starts this year, with his best effort a rallying third in the West Virginia Derby.

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Also looking for a hot pace is Tapiture, last year’s Dirt Mile runner-up, who flashed some of his old form in winning the recent Ack Ack Handicap at Churchill Downs. The Steve Asmussen-trained colt has since worked twice at Keeneland, capped by five furlongs in 1:00.60 on Sunday.

“We think he’s fresh,” said assistant Scott Blasi. “Love how his weight looks and his attitude. He’s rounding back to his old self, we hope.”

On Monday, the Grade 1 winner and $2.1 million earner Lea worked five furlongs on turf at Saratoga. Later that day, it was announced by Claiborne Farm that the 6-year-old horse would be retired after making his final start in either the Mile or the Dirt Mile.

Bradester has won two of three starts since blinkers were removed, beginning with a 109 Beyer in the Salvator Mile at Monmouth Park. He had his second work over the Keeneland track Saturday, going five furlongs in a bullet 59 seconds.