Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile: Picking right race not easy decision

California Chrome’s superior performances in dirt routes from Dubai to Santa Anita this year could lead the connections of some of the division’s other top horses to seek the shelter of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile rather than hook a prohibitive favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

However, the decision to do so might not be that simple.

For starters, dodging a single horse is a risk that can backfire in the unpredictable world of racing. Connections must also assess whether a mile suits their runners as well as the 1 1/4-mile Classic. They must further look at potential race shapes, post draws and rider availability and be mindful of stallion valuations.

There’s also the matter of cold, hard cash. Consider that a third-place finish in the Classic – which has been boosted in value from $5 million to $6 million – is worth almost as much as a win in the $1 million Dirt Mile. Here’s the official purse breakdown from the Breeders’ Cup:

The winner of the Classic on Nov. 5 at Santa Anita earns $3.3 million; the runner-up, $1,020,000; the third-place finisher, $540,000; the fourth-place finisher, $300,000; the fifth-place finisher, $180,000; and sixth through eighth, $60,000.

The winner of the Dirt Mile on Nov. 4 earns $550,000; the runner-up, $170,000; the third-place finisher, $90,000; the fourth-place finisher, $50,000; the fifth-place finisher, $30,000; and sixth through eighth, $10,000.

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The pre-entry and entry fees for the Classic will total $150,000, and for the Dirt Mile, $30,000.

◗ Frosted, who has earned berths into both the Classic and Dirt Mile, remains under consideration for both races, according to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. “No decisions have been made,” he said. “He’s pointing for that weekend. He’s doing great, working weekly, pointing for the Breeders’ Cup.” McLaughlin said a decision on the path the horse will take will come down from Godolphin Racing.

Frosted earned a Dirt Mile berth for his stirring win in the Metropolitan Handicap. He locked up a berth into the Classic by virtue of his win in the Whitney.

◗ Gary Stevens has the mount on Runhappy in the Dirt Mile, trainer Laura Wohlers said.

Runhappy, the champion sprinter of 2015, was paired with Stevens in his lone start at Santa Anita, where he won the Grade 1 Malibu on Dec. 26.

Runhappy finished fourth in the Grade 3 Ack Ack at Churchill Downs last Saturday. Edgar Prado was aboard the horse, who was making his first start since the Malibu.

Wohlers said Runhappy emerged from the race in good condition.

◗ Dalmore, the winner of the Grade 3 Affirmed at Santa Anita with a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 102, is being considered for the Dirt Mile, trainer Keith Desormeaux said. Dalmore, who is based at the track, is coming off a runner-up finish in the Grade 3, $400,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. If the horse goes in the Dirt Mile, he will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux.

◗ The Kelso on Saturday at Belmont is expected to produce starters for the Dirt Mile.