Goldikova stuck outside once again

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – She won the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Mile from post 11, and Goldikova will be asked to overcome another wide draw, post 10, in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

With regular rider Olivier Peslier named, Goldikova was installed as the 6-5 morning-line favorite to succeed in a quest for an unprecedented third Breeders’ Cup victory. Goldikova was one of four European invaders entered in the Mile, along with Paco Boy, Delegator, and Beethoven.

Paco Boy, who has never beaten Goldikova, was made the race’s 6-1 third choice, while the other two are longshots. Heading the North American contingent is Gio Ponti, the 4-1 second favorite who drew post 3 and will be ridden by his regular pilot, Ramon Dominguez. Gio Ponti’s connections had wavered between the Mile and the Classic for several weeks, with owner Shane Ryan ultimately opting for the Mile late Monday afternoon.

The only horse outside Goldikova in the starting gate will be the race’s other filly, Proviso, who landed the outside post 11.

“At least it’s not a 14-horse field,” trainer Bill Mott deadpanned. “I’d have rather been inside a little more.”

Proviso and Gio Ponti made dazzling off-the-pace runs winning one-mile Keeneland turf stakes in October, and both figure to drop back to find position. Sidney’s Candy figures to seize the early lead, and drew a favorable position, post 9, for jockey Joel Rosario to dole out his speed. Get Stormy, who landed post 8, appears to be the only other front-runner entered in the Mile.