European horses have a decided edge in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T). They often take home the trophy, but not all the time. Last year, America's More Than Looks stopped a string of four straight wins by Euros. Can an American make it two in a row Nov. 1 at Del Mar? Maybe, but as usual, it will not be easy.
1. One Stripe (30-1 morning-line odds): South African runner is a multiple group 1 winner. Made his first start in six months in the Woodbine Mile Stakes (G1T) and had a troubled trip. Should benefit from that start and be more of a factor here.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Graham Motion
2. Notable Speech (5-2): Finished a close third as the favorite in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Mile. Comes off a convincing win in the Woodbine Mile and looks best in this field.
JOCKEY: William Buick; TRAINER: Charlie Appleby
3. Sahlan (6-1): Talented 3-year-old won the prestigious Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1) in France by a nose. Seems to be getting better with each start and will be a main threat.
JOCKEY: Mickael Barzalona; TRAINER: Francis-Henri Graffard
4. The Lion In Winter (6-1): Was a good second in England's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot last time out. Was also third by a nose and a neck in the Prix du Moulin. Could have a big say in the outcome.
JOCKEY: Christophe Soumillon; TRAINER: Aidan O'Brien
5. Program Trading (10-1): Ranks as one of the top American threats. Was second in Keeneland's Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes (G1T) and second in the mile-and-a-sixteenth Bernard Baruch Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Could be in the picture with a good trip.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Chad Brown
6. Gran Oriente (30-1): Ships in from Chile after a group 1 win. Hasn't raced since May and faces a tough task here.
JOCKEY: Hector Berrios; TRAINER: Jose Alvarez
7. Johannes (8-1): Was a solid runner-up in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile. Was hampered by injuries this year and has only started twice. But he did win the City of Hope Mile Stakes (G2T) last time out, the same stakes he captured a year ago before his second-place finish in the Mile.
JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli; TRAINER: Tim Yakteen
8. Formidable Man (10-1): Loves the turf at Del Mar. He's 6-for-6 and coming off wins in the Del Mar Mile Stakes (G2T) and Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) here. Can be a main threat on his best try.
JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Michael McCarthy
9. Argine (20-1): Japanese mare can be competitive but has yet to win above the group 3 level. Others have more appeal.
JOCKEY: Frankie Dettori; TRAINER: Mitsumasa Nakauchida
10. Jonquil (10-1): Three-year-old colt rallied wide to finish third in Keeneland's Turf Mile (G1T). Posted a group 2 win in Europe and can sneak into the picture.
JOCKEY: Colin Keane; TRAINER: Andrew Balding
11. Rhetorical (5-1): New York State-bred won Keeneland's Turf Mile for his fourth straight win and fifth in six career starts. Faces his biggest test in this race but should not be overlooked.
JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Will Walden
12. Gas Me Up (30-1): Was third in the Woodbine Mile and faces a tough time from this post. Will need to take a big step forward in just his fourth start in a stakes.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Kevin Attard
13. Qirat (20-1): Won an English group 1 stakes at Goodwood in July at 150-1 odds! Was fifth and then seventh since then and will be big odds again.
JOCKEY: Rossa Ryan; TRAINER: Ralph Beckett
THE PICK: Notable Speech
LIVE LONGSHOT: One Stripe
SUPERFECTA: 2-3-1-4
