Top Three Finishers in Indiana Derby Featured in Breeders Cup Dirt Mile
The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile is a rematch between the top three finishers in the 2011 Indiana Derby. Wilburn, winner of the 17th running of the Grade II $500,000-added Indiana Derby (pictured below), will face runner up Shackleford and Caleb’s Posse in the Grade I $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile Saturday, Nov. 5. The race is slated as the seventh with an estimated post time of 4:01 p.m. The first race for the 12-race program begins at 12:05 p.m. EST.
Caleb’s Posse turned in a six furlong work in 1:13.2 at Keeneland last week while Shackleford, 2011 Preakness winner, worked at Churchill Downs for trainer Dale Romans with a 1:03.80 in a five-furlong work. Romans noted that although the time for Shackleford was slow, it was merely a maintenance work in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.
Wilburn will be reunited with Julien Leparoux, who guided him to victory in the Indiana Derby. The Steve Asmussen-trained three-year-old will start from post five at odds of 4-1. Shackleford and rider Jesus Castanon begin from post two at odds of 7-2, selected as second choice in the race while Caleb’s Posse will start off at odds of 5-1 from post eight for rider Rajiv Maragh.
Earlier in the card, Giant Oak, second place finisher in the 2009 Indiana Derby will vie for the title in the $500,000 Grade II Breeders’ Cup Marathon slated as the third race. The Chris Block trained five-year-old is third choice in the 11-horse lineup at odds of 9-2 for the one and three-quarter mile event. Shaun Bridgmohan gets the call aboard Giant Oak.
The Breeders’ Cup two-day event gets underway Friday, Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs. The $100,000 Grade III Ack Ack features some Hoosier Park starters including this year’s $100,000 Michael G. Schaefer Mile winner Glenwood Canyon. The Al Stall, Jr. trained six-year-old will be ridden by three-time Indiana Derby winner Robby Albarado. The duo starts from post five in the seven-horse lineup at odds of 6-1. Post time for the third race Ack Ack stakes race is 3 p.m.
Joining Glenwood Canyon in the Ack Ack is the Kelly Breen-trained Nacho Friend, 2010 Indiana Derby starter. Nacho Friend begins his quest for the title in the Ack Ack from post one at odds of 5-1 for rider Garrett Gomez.
Also involved in the race is Demarcation, second place finisher in the 2010 $100,000 Michael G. Schaefer Mile. Trained by Paul McGee, Demarcation will begin from post six at odds of 9-2 for jockey Joel Rosario.
The Ack Ack will be followed by five Breeders’ Cup events beginning in race five Friday, Nov. 4. Post time for the 10-race program is 2 p.m. EST.