Breeders' Cup Mile: Key contenders

NEXT SHARES, by Archarcharch
Last 3 Beyers: 106-99-86

• Not at all proven top class, but a case can be made in this wide-open Mile lacking truly established elite performers.
• First seven starts this year in California, where he turned in some very strong runs, but last two in Kentucky, where softer turf and a different style of race has raised his ceiling.
• Did get a great trip coming up a wide-open rail at Keeneland, and the one behind him was a massive longshot, but he also won by more than three lengths.
• One of the entrants more likely to handle wet turf.

POLYDREAM, by Oasis Dream
No Beyers

• It’s not that she won’t handle rain-soaked turf, but trainer Freddie Head, who won this race three times with Goldikova, worries that a deep, testing course will heighten stamina concerns. Head believes something around seven furlongs is her ideal trip.
• Shipped well and has trained with aplomb at Churchill.
• Lost all chance when totally stopped behind a tiring rival and trapped in a box late in the Prix de Foret last out.

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ONE MASTER, by Fastnet Rock
No Beyers

• Only her most recent performance, a 47-1 Foret win, suggests she’s good enough for this, and even there, she had a clean run where horses like Polydream got in a traffic jam.
• Good English trainer doesn’t run many horses in North America. Is 1 for 1 in 2018; Call to Mind won the Belmont Gold Cup in June.
• Won the Foret over a course officially designated “firm” but termed “rough” by the trainer. Haggas said One Master loves soft ground.

LIGHTNING SPEAR, by Pivotal
No Beyers

• Excellent young jockey Murphy believes yielding turf won’t be an issue for 7-year-old getting Lasix for the last start of his career.
• Inconsistent, but best races this year – win in the Sussex, close finishes in the Lockinge and the Queen Anne – stamp him as capable.

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