Shackleford To Duel With Trappe Shot

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Mike Kane of the Louisville Courier-Journal previews the $2 million Breeders Cup Dirt Mile and my man Shackleford will have to fend off the ingloriously named Trappe Shot.

Though I know you all already have it DVR'd, post time is at 4:01 ET on ESPN.

Trappe Shot has a couple of runner-up finishes in coveted Grade I races during his career and was fourth in his last start, the Grade I Vosburgh, over a muddy track at Belmont Park on Oct. 1.

“He is a serious horse and should be the favorite, in my opinion,” McLaughlin said. “They have him to beat.”

The Factor drew the rail, the same position he left from in the Ancient Title. Shackleford, who typically sets or presses the pace in his races, is in post two, and Tapizar, an effective front-runner, will leave from post three. That is just fine with McLaughlin, who was unhappy when his horse drew to the outside in his last two starts but is delighted being out there in the one-turn mile.

“It’s a great race and I love that we’re nine of nine,” he said. “The 1-2-3, The Factor, Shackleford and Tapizar all have speed. It’s perfect for us to be out there watching.”