Keeneland preview: Breeders’ Cup Mile (19.30)

David Metcalf | October 31, 2015

Esoterique has been better than ever this season and can round off the campaign with victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Keeneland (19.30).

The Andre Fabre trained mare ran a blinder on her second start of the campaign when beaten just a length by the brilliant Solow in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes over 1m at Royal Ascot, and backed that up with an excellent 1/2 length second to Muharrer in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest over 6f at Deauville.

Esoterique then got back to winning ways when taking on the boys and landing the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville in good style.

After being held up at the rear of the field, Esoterique made smooth headway two from home to challenge between horses approaching the final furlong before scooting clear to beat Territories by a cosy 1 1/2 lengths.

The daughter of Danehill Dancer has since gone on to show her customary turn of foot to beat Integral by a cost 1/2 a length in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket.

Esoterique’s form is rock solid, and her ability to travel strongly and quicken off a fast pace can see her overcome a wide draw in stall nine to land the spoils.

Make Believe and Tepin to rival Esoterique

Tepin looks the pick of the home team, but the main danger to Esoterique is likely to be her stable companion Make Believe.

The three-year-old had won three of his four starts prior to finish last of five to Gleneagles in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, and they included an impressive success in the French 2000 Guineas.

Make Believe made all and kept on strongly to win unchallenged by three lengths from stable companion New Bay, and that one has since gone on to land Group 1 successes in the Prix du Jockey Club and Prix Niel before finishing a fine third in the Arc to give the form a solid look.

The son of Makfi also comes into the contest having returned to winning ways when readily accounting for Limato in the Group 1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp, and from a good draw in stall three everything looks in place for a huge run.

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Coral’s top tip: Esoterique has the perfect profile for the race and can get the better of stable companion Make Believe to land the spoils for France