Kaigun eyes rematch with Wise Dan in Shadwell Turf Mile

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – After running second behind Trade Storm in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile on Sept. 14, Kaigun will head to Keeneland for his next start to face Wise Dan for the third time this year in the Grade 1, $1 million Shadwell Turf Mile on Oct. 4.

Kaigun already has shipped to Kentucky, said trainer Mark Casse.

Kaigun finished three-quarters of a length behind Wise Dan when second in the Grade 1 Maker’s 46 Mile in April at Keeneland, then finished 1 1/2 lengths behind the two-time Horse of the Year when fourth in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic in May. Kaigun could also face Grade 2 Fourstardave Handicap winner Seek Again in the Shadwell Turf Mile.

Kaigun has earned triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures in his last two starts, including a 102 in his victory in the Grade 2 Play the King Stakes here on Aug. 10 and a 100 in his half-length defeat to Trade Storm in the Woodbine Mile.

A 4-year-old son of Northern Afleet, Kaigun has earned 24 points toward Breeders’ Cup qualification, but is not nominated for the event. Should Kaigun win the Shadwell Turf Mile and earn a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Mile, his connections would still be required to pay a $100,000 supplemental nomination fee to make him eligible.

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