Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile: One turn a hook for plenty of contenders
The Grade 1, $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile will be run at a one-turn configuration for the first time since 2011 when it is renewed Nov. 3 at Churchill Downs. It’s an “intriguing” twist that makes the race a potential target for a vast cross-section of horses, trainer Al Stall Jr. said.
“They’re coming from everywhere,” he said.
Stall hopes C Z Rocket will punch his ticket to the Dirt Mile – expected to be led by Catalina Cruiser, an undefeated graded stakes winner at one turn and two – when he runs Saturday in the Grade 3, $100,000 Ack Ack at Churchill Downs.
“Everything is predicated off of that,” Stall said.
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The Ack Ack is a one-turn mile, and C Z Rocket won at the configuration in a November allowance at Churchill. He’s since won the Kelly’s Landing over seven furlongs at Churchill June 30. C Z Rocket earned a career high Beyer Speed Figure of 103 and a shot at the Grade 1 Forego last month at Saratoga.
“The Kelly’s Landing was a great race, and we felt good going to Saratoga,” Stall said. “He had an awkward trip in the Forego. He was closer to the pace than we thought he would be. A horse in the race was bearing out and, naturally, we were on his outside. He fought back and ran fourth, beaten less than three lengths.
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“He was stepping up and he acquitted himself fine. It was a good, solid, hard race, and hopefully it will propel him forward.”
Shaun Bridgmohan has the mount on C Z Rocket, an $800,000 purchase at auction at 2 by owner Frank Fletcher.
Army Mule longshot to make it
The undefeated Grade 1 winner Army Mule would be one of the favorites if he ends up running in the Dirt Mile, but he’s a longshot to make the race. Trainer Todd Pletcher said that Army Mule, who last started in April, is still a few works from being ready to run and as of Monday was “unlikely” to make the Dirt Mile.
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Army Mule won the Grade 1 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct in his last start April 7, earning a Beyer of 114. He is 3 for 3 and is owned by St. Elias Stable.
Pletcher trains another high-quality comebacker in Coal Front, a multiple graded stakes winner at one turn. He, too, is nearing a return to action.
“I’d classify it as being a tight schedule,” Pletcher said of the horses making the Dirt Mile.