European thoroughbreds present a distinct advantage in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile Presented by PDJF. They frequently secure victory, although not consistently. Last year, the American horse More Than Looks interrupted a sequence of four consecutive triumphs by European contenders. Can an American contestant achieve back-to-back wins this Saturday at Del Mar? Possibly, but as is customary, it will pose a significant challenge.
1. One Stripe (30-1 morning-line odds): A South African competitor with multiple Group 1 victories. Made his initial appearance in six months in the Grade 1 Rogers Woodbine Mile Stakes and experienced a problematic journey. Expected to gain from that outing and exert greater influence here.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Graham Motion
2. Notable Speech (5-2): Achieved a narrow third-place finish as the favorite in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Mile. Enters the race following a persuasive victory in the Woodbine Mile and appears to be the strongest contender in this assembly.
JOCKEY: William Buick; TRAINER: Charlie Appleby
3. Sahlan (6-1): A gifted 3-year-old who prevailed in the distinguished Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp in France by a minimal margin. Displays continuous improvement with each race and constitutes a substantial threat.
JOCKEY: Mickael Barzalona; TRAINER: Francis-Henri Graffard
4. The Lion In Winter (6-1): Attained a commendable second position in England’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in his previous race. Previously finished third by a minimal margin in the Prix du Moulin. Possesses the potential to significantly influence the final result.
JOCKEY: Christophe Soumillon; TRAINER: Aidan O’Brien
5. Program Trading (10-1): Considered one of the leading American contenders. Secured second place in Keeneland’s Grade 1 Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes and second place in the mile-and-a-sixteenth Bernard Baruch Stakes at Saratoga. Could contend for a favorable outcome with an advantageous race.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Chad Brown
6. Gran Oriente (30-1): Arrives from Chile after securing a Group 1 victory. Has not competed since May and encounters a formidable challenge in this event.
JOCKEY: Hector Berrios; TRAINER: Jose Alvarez
7. Johannes (8-1): Performed admirably as the runner-up in the prior year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile. Experienced setbacks due to injuries this year, limiting his starts to just two. However, he did emerge victorious in the City of Hope Mile Stakes in his most recent race, replicating his success from a year prior, preceding his second-place result in the Mile.
JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli; TRAINER: Tim Yakteen
8. Formidable Man (10-1): Demonstrates a fondness for the turf at Del Mar. Holds a perfect record of 6-for-6 and enters the race following victories in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile Stakes and Eddie Read Stakes at this location. Has the potential to be a significant threat when performing at his peak.
JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Michael McCarthy
9. Argine (20-1): This Japanese mare is capable of being competitive; however, she has not yet achieved a win above the Group 3 level. Other participants possess greater appeal.
JOCKEY: Frankie Dettori; TRAINER: Mitsumasa Nakauchida
10. Jonquil (10-1): This three-year-old colt rallied wide to secure a third-place finish in Keeneland’s Turf Mile. Recorded a Group 2 win in Europe and could potentially enter the fray.
JOCKEY: Colin Keane; TRAINER: Andrew Balding
11. Rhetorical (5-1): This New York State-bred horse emerged victorious in Keeneland’s Turf Mile, marking his fourth consecutive win and fifth in six career races. Faces his most significant challenge in this race but warrants consideration.
JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Will Walden
12. Gas Me Up (30-1): Finished third in the Woodbine Mile and encounters a difficult situation from this post. Will need to demonstrate substantial improvement in only his fourth stakes appearance.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Kevin Attard
13. Qirat (20-1): Triumphed in an English Group 1 Stakes at Goodwood in July with odds of 150-1! Since then, he has placed fifth and seventh and is expected to have long odds again.
JOCKEY: Rossa Ryan; TRAINER: Ralph Beckett
THE PICK: Notable Speech
LIVE LONGSHOT: One Stripe
SUPERFECTA: 2-3-1-4
