The $1 million Shadwell Turf Mile (GI) will be the last major American prep race for the Breeders’ Cup Mile, held at beautiful Santa Anita Park on Nov. 5. The winner of the Shadwell Turf Mile will receive an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Mile as part of the final “Breeders Cup Win and You’re in” series of the season.
However, winners of the Shadwell Turf Mile have not fared well in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Since 1994, the Shadwell Turf Mile winner has only won the BC Mile twice:
| YEAR | HORSE |
| 1989 | Steinlen |
| 2012 | Wise Dan |
This year’s edition hopes to buck that trend, as Keeneland has assembled a talented field of 11 to contest the 31st running of the race, including last years’ winner Grand Arch. Grand Arch (10-1 on the morning line) used his win in last year’s edition of the Shadwell Turf Mile to finish a hard-fought third in the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Mile. The son of Arch will be looking to add his name to an impressive list of two-time winners of the Shadwell Turf Mile:
| YEARS | HORSE |
| 1995-1996 | Dumaani |
| 2010-2011 | Gio Ponti |
| 2012-2014 | Wise Dan |
The Arlington Million winner, Mondialiste (6-1), shows up in here looking to earn another opportunity to knock heads with Tepin in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. In last year’s electric edition of the BC Mile, he finished second behind Tepin, but was able to finish in front of Grand Arch.
What a View (6-1) will be looking to wire the field under the guidance of jockey Kent Desormeaux. He was on an absolute tear in early spring at Santa Anita and returns here riding a four-race win streak. His most recent start showed that he can be just behind a lively pace and still be able to rally and finish well.
The morning line favorite is Tourist (3-1), who arrives here fresh off his win in the Fourstardave Handicap. He has participated in six straight Grade I races with his best TimeformUS Speed ratings occurring when he runs a mile trip. The son of Tiznow finished an unlucky third in this race last season.
With a win from either Tourist or Triple Threat (15-1) on Saturday, Bill Mott will have three victories in the Shadwell Turf Mile, joining Kiaran McLaughlin as the only trainers to win this event three times.
Miss Temple City (8-1) looks to be back at her preferred distance after two races where she finished out of the trifecta at longer distances. She is a super-classy filly who has knocked heads with some of these earlier in the season when she won the Makers Mile here at Keeneland. She now has Edgar Prado aboard for her attempt to beat the boys.
Ironicus (4-1) is another horse who appears to be turning back to his preferred distance. He knocked heads earlier this summer with one of the favorites to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf (Flintshire) and held his own while no threat the winner. He will be letting the others go for it early and you will see the son of Distorted Humor picking it up late.
Ring Weekend (5-1) will be coming into this race in good order following a victory at a distance of ground in the Bernard Baruch Handicap. He should be able to work out a nice, stalking trip from his post position. He will lose John Velazquez as his jockey for this race and pick up the services of Junior Alvarado.
Others going to the post: Pleuven (20-1), Tower of Texas (20-1) and Kasaqui (20-1).
