Watch CBS News

Top 5 2014 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Contenders

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The two favorites, Goldencents and Fed Biz, who could hang with most classic contenders will go head to head in the prestigious Dirt Mile. Fed Biz will likely give Goldencents the toughest time in this year's Dirt Mile. Both out of the west coast will sprint out of the gate, hoping to put out late-runners out of reach. If the pace is slow, it will open the door for Golden Ticket. Goldencents will be heavy favorite after drawing Post Position No. 1.

1. Goldencents trained by Leandro Mora(6-5): Rick Pitino's Goldencents, trained by Leandro Mora for the suspended Doug O'Neil, was considered to run in the Classic for his last race but instead will look to defend his title in the Dirt Mile. The 4-year-old, ridden by Rafael Bejarano, has a great Santa Anita track record. In six career starts at The Great Race Place, Goldencents has won three, including the 2013 G1 Santa Anita Derby and the G3 Sham Stakes. Fed Biz and Goldencents are speed horses, meaning both should be in the front of the pack early. Goldencents should be the morning line favorite. Last week we ranked Fed Biz at No. 1, but after Goldencents drawing Post Position No. 1, we rank him number 1. Team, WC Racing couldn't ask for a better position for the speedster. He's also bee training out of his mind. The only way he can lose is if he has a poor start off the gate.
2013 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile - Goldencents by Breeders' Cup World Championships on YouTube

2.   Fed Biz trained by Bob Baffert (7-2): Bob Baffert's Fed Biz has won six times in 18 career starts, including three graded wins. Coming off a second-place finish behind Horse of the Year contender Shared Belief, Fed Biz will look to take down defending champion Goldencents in the 2014 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. In two starts in the Dirt Mile, Fed Biz has performed below standards, finishing sixth in 2013 and eighth in 2012. In his last work Oct. 16, Fed Biz ran six furlongs in 1:12.40. Post Position 8.

Shared Belief Remains Undefeated Following Win in Awesome Again Stake by TVG Network on YouTube

3. Tapiture trained by Steven Asmussen (6-1): After a disastrous Kentucky Derby trip, Tapiture has bounced back in his past three races, winning the West Virginia Derby and the Matt Winn Stakes. In his last race, the 3-year-old ridden by Rosie Napravnik finished second in the Pennsylvania Derby behind Classic contender Bayern. Tapiture draws Post Position No. 9.

4. Vicar's In Trouble trained by Michael Maker (12-1): A four-time career winner, Vicar's In Trouble will head into the Dirt Mile as the champion of the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. Just as Tapiture, Vicar is having a great post-Kentucky Derby career. He has finished in the money in his past three starts. He drew Post Postion No. 3

Vicar's In Trouble Rules Again in Louisiana Derby 2014 by Fair Grounds NOLA on YouTube

5. Golden Ticket trained by Ken McPeek (15-1): Golden Ticket will get another chance at beating Goldencents in the Breeders' Cup Mile title. Finishing second last year, the 5-year-old could finally get his Breeder's Cup title in 2014 with a little help. He is a late runner. So, if the pace is slow, watch for Golden Ticket to spoil the field. The downfall: Golden Ticket is 0-3 at Santa Anita. Golden Ticket has earned $1.3 million in his career. Post Position No. 6

2012 Travers Stakes - Alpha & Golden Ticket **DEAD-HEAT** by Horse Racing on YouTube
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.