The TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile is one of the most coveted races to win on the Breeders’ Cup card – but what if your life depended on winning it?
In the Breeders’ Cup Buzz this week, we’re speaking to notable Thoroughbred industry names about their experiences with the World Championships and posing a few hypothetical questions tied to the races.
This time around, we pose the question of which jockey those industry members would give the leg-up to if their lives depended on winning an edition of the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Erik Johnson, ERJ Racing, Colorado Avalanche
“I should probably say Flavien Prat because he is riding Bowie’s Hero for us in that race this year. So I’ll go with Flavien.”
Liz Crow, Elite Sales, BSW Bloodstock
“I would say John Velazquez. He’s a great finisher, but he’s also great at slowing horses down on the front end. If I was going to win the Mile, I’d hope to be on the lead, go wire-to-wire, I think he could slow them down and finish strong.”
Brendan Walsh, Trainer
“Normally, I’d go for Patrick Smullen, who’s a good friend of mine, but I’ll go with Frankie Dettori. He’s timeless. He’s been around for years, and he’s ridden all the big winners, either in Europe or the States, dirt or turf. When the chips are down, there seems to be nobody better.”
Eddie Kenneally, Trainer
“Mike Smith. He’s the all-time leading Breeders’ Cup rider, and you can’t go too far wrong if you have Mike in the saddle. I remember when he rode Lure for the Mile, and Mike can be the man.”
Samantha Siegel, Jay Em Ess Stable
“Frankie Dettori.”
Jamie Roth, LNJ Foxwoods
“I think I’d have to say Frankie Dettori. He’s one of, if not the, best turf riders ever.”
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