



The Breeders’ Cup World Championships are fast approaching, and at least one big decision has firmly been made that affects both the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Dirt Mile. The Godolphin team and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin confirmed on Thursday, October 20, that they will send Met Mile winner Frosted to the Classic rather than the Dirt Mile, a decision they had been contemplating leading up to the official announcement.





This in an interesting decision considering Frosted’s record at 1 ¼-mile and his most impressive performance to date. After running fifth behind California Chrome in the 10 furlong Dubai World Cup, Frosted returned home and put on a performance for the ages in the Grade 1 Metropolitan Mile Handicap. He set both a winning margin and a stakes record in his 14 ¼-length drubbing of his competition in 1.32:73.





As far as records go, Frosted is a perfect 2-for-2 at 1 mile, having won a maiden special weight at 1 mile to get his first career win. As far as 1 ¼-mile is concerned, Frosted is 0-for-4, with his best placing being a third in the Grade 1 Travers, three lengths behind winner Keen Ice after pressuring American Pharoah early.





Gun Runner is still under consideration for both the Dirt Mile and the Classic. He worked a strong 5 furlongs in 1:00 2/5 on the morning of October 23. Trainer Steve Asmussen said that the colt’s energy level was nice, and by all accounts, he appears to have settled in nicely at Santa Anita.





Also under consideration for multiple races is 2015 Breeders’ Cup Turf and 2016 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe heroine Found. The 4-year old filly will either defend her Breeders’ Cup Turf title or appear in the Classic, both against males. She is no stranger to facing the boys, having raced nearly exclusively in Europe where competition between the sexes is considered just another day at the races. What she is a stranger to, however, is a traditional dirt track. Should trainer Aiden O’Brien opt for the juicy match against California Chrome, Found should not be discounted on the basis of having never run on dirt. Three years ago O’Brien shipped Declaration of War to the U.S. for the Classic where the colt finished third, beaten by a nose and a head, by winner Mucho Macho Man.





In a bizarre move, Todd Pletcher has committed Keen Ice to the Classic, as well. The 4-year old son of Curlin has not won a race since upsetting American Pharoah in last year’s Travers Stakes. His best finish since then was a third in an optional claimer at Belmont earlier this month. Granted that was his first start for Pletcher, and off a nearly 7 month layoff to boot, so there may be hope for him yet.





Also now part of the projected field is War Story. Trained by Miguel Penaloza, War Story has just one victory since beginning his career 2-for-2 as a juvenile in 2014. He has several nice on the board finishes in graded stakes last year, but finished up the track in the Pacific Classic, won by California Chrome, in his only graded stakes attempt this year. Neither he nor Keen Ice add much to the fray.





The rest of the field is set to comprise of California Chrome, Nyquist, Hoppertunity, Melatonin, Effinex, Shaman Ghost, Arrogate, and Win The Space.