Plenty willing to take a shot at BC Marathon

Breeders’ Cup fever is contagious and leading to curious decisions regarding the Grade 3, $500,000 BC Marathon.

Despite finishing 16th in his most recent start Oct. 16 at Newmarket, European long-distance specialist Precision Break will run in the 1 3/4-mile Marathon, his connections said. It will be his first start on dirt.

Despite finishing last by more than 90 lengths Oct. 2 at Hawthorne, California-based Temple City also will run in the Marathon. The Hawthorne Gold Cup was his first start on dirt; reportedly, he did not handle the surface. Perhaps he will like Churchill Downs.

Finally, improving Where’s the Remote remains under consideration for the Marathon, notwithstanding $60,000 in eligibility fees for a chance at the $300,000 winner’s share of the $500,000 purse. The alternative is stay home to race as one of the favorites a week later in the $250,000 Hollywood Turf Cup on Nov. 13.

Where’s the Remote was purchased by owner Greg Unruh in July. Four starts for Unruh and trainer Mike Mitchell have produced two allowance wins and a runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch.

“He was a great buy,” Mitchell said. “We don’t want to do something stupid.”

Mitchell entered Where’s the Remote in a turf allowance Thursday at Hollywood Park and will not decide until Monday whether to supplement to the Marathon – Where’s the Remote has never raced on dirt – or go in the Turf Cup.

Laaheb, a Europe-based gelding once considered the tepid Marathon favorite, has been withdrawn from consideration, but a European might still end up as the favorite. Tastahil, five-length winner of a Group 3 on Oct. 16, reportedly is pointing for the race.