Breeders’ Cup: Gio Ponti will start in Mile

Gio Ponti will make his final career start in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs, his connections announced Thursday. Gio Ponti had been pre-entered in both the Mile and Breeders’ Cup Classic, with the Classic listed as his first preference.

“Having discussed the options with [trainer] Christophe Clement, we both feel that we should aim Gio Ponti for the Mile as eight furlongs looks to be his perfect distance given his impressive repeat victory in the Shadwell Mile at Keeneland,” said Shane Ryan, president of Castleton Lyons, Gio Ponti’s owner.

Gio Ponti finished second to Goldikova in last year’s Mile and will get a rematch with that mare as she seeks her fourth consecutive victory in the race on Nov. 5. Thirteen horses were pre-entered in the BC Mile.