Churchill Downs
Little Mike targets Joe Hirsch Turf Classic
Tom Keyser Little Mike has not been as sharp this year as in 2012 but his owner expects him to regain his best form in the Arlington Million.
Owner Carlo Vaccarezza has announced that Little Mike, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf last year, will run next in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic on Sept. 28 at Belmont instead of the Shadwell Turf Mile a week later at Keeneland.
The $600,000 Joe Hirsch goes at 1 1/2 miles, while the $750,000 Shadwell is run at a mile. Both are Grade 1 events.
Vaccarezza had been leaning toward the Shadwell Mile since Little Mike, winless in four starts this year, finished sixth in the Aug. 17 Arlington Million. Dale Romans trains.