The $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) joined the Breeders’ Cup family at Monmouth Park in 2007. The inaugural winner was the Hall of Famer and now top stallion Curlin.
Over the years, the Dirt Mile has produced several standout champions. Among them are Goldencents (2013-2014) and Cody’s Wish (2022-2023), both voted Horse of the Year after their second Dirt Mile wins. Other notable winners include City of Light (2018), Knicks Go (2020), Life Is Good (2021, and Nysos (2025).
The pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland on ct. 30-31 will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 21; the post-position draw and morning-line odds will be revealed on Monday, Oct. 26. The race is the day’s fourth on the card with a post time of 1:10 p.m. ET.
Note: Jockeys listed are from the horse’s previous race; changes are likely.
He dominated the Pacific Classic (G1), cruising to a 6 ¼-length win in last out after a big Monmouth Cup score. He’ll be pre-entered in the Classic, too, but will probably land here as the strongest horse in a relatively open division.
Betting angle: He has strong tactical speed and is loaded with back class, which makes him the consensus favorite and a popular “overlay” play.
What to watch: If he by a small chance goes off above even-money he’s a must-use as a key in all exotics as he won’t offer much in a straight win wager.
The Preakness Stakes (G1) winner was also second in both the Haskell Stakes (G1) and Travers Stakes (G1) in his last two and cuts back in distance here. He’ll be pre-entered in Classic, too, but if he runs here, he’s a major threat.
Betting angle: He’ll probably offer fair value even though his odds will be on the shorter side.
What to watch: The pace. He has shown some tactical ability, but he’d much rather be on the lead and control the pace from the break. It will help if he won’t have much company on the front end early.
He was considered one of the top 3-year-olds earlier this year after his breakout 11-length Blue Grass Stakes (G1) romp. He was a top choice in the Kentucky Derby (G1) but finished 11th and came back to win Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs, was fifth in the Haskell and then a strong second to The Puma in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1).
Betting angle: Further Ado is a stalker/closer with a strong late kick. He is at his best over middle distances on dirt and has been especially dominant at Keeneland. He is a solid exotics play or win bet at likely double-digit odds.
What to watch: The cutback to one mile at Keeneland is a plus. He will be tough if the pace sets up for his late run, and he draws a favorable post.
Why a value bet? Bracket Buster is a consistent, graded-stakes-winning 4-year-old with some solid big-race experience and a strong recent win. He sits in the mid-tier of the Dirt Mile division and is a legitimate contender who could be overlooked in the betting.
The risk: He is always right there, but against the elite competition he has failed to connect for a win.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
