Kaigun's connections still undecided on Breeders' Cup race

Kaigun is cross-entered in the Mile and the Turf Sprint, and though the Mile is listed as first preference, serious consideration has been given to entering the Turf Sprint. In fact, as of Saturday afternoon, Kaigun's connections were leaning toward the Turf Sprint, but that position had shifted by Saturday night, with the Mile now the more likely spot.

"We're still throwing it around," said trainer Mark Casse. “We talked about it yesterday afternoon and probably were leaning to the Turf Sprint, but then last night, when we spoke again, we were leaning toward the Mile.”

Kaigun most recently finished fourth in the Shadwell Turf Mile and previously was second in the Woodbine Mile to BC Mile runner Trade Storm. He won the seven-furlong Play the King at Woodbine three races back, but the Turf Sprint – 6 1/2 furlongs down the hillside turf course here – would be a different type of race than Kaigun has contested.

“The Mile probably is a tougher race, but our horse never has been down the hill, and I don’t know that I want to throw that at him.”

Casse said Patrick Husbands would ride Kaigun in the Mile but that he would seek a jockey with more local experience if Kaigun winds up in the Turf Sprint.

If Kaigun were to go in the Turf Sprint, Big Bane Theory, who looks as of Sunday like the first also-eligible, probably would get a slot in the Mile.