Breeders’ Cup Mile Picks: 12/1 shot to surprise favourites?

Race 10 on Saturday's loaded card at Del Mar is the Breeders' Cup Mile, where once again Charlie Appleby has an entry at the head of the betting.

Our US Racing correspondent Paul Quigley however is looking deeper in the card and feels there is value currently trading at 12/1 on Betfred to win this race...

The second and third from last year's race are in this line up. Notable Speech (2) may have had a light campaign from Charlie Appleby with this race in mind. He did have little beat when taking The Woodbine Mile (G1) in September.

Wiliam Buick should be able to save some ground. Like most of these, he will need some racing luck in an event without too much early speed. Johannes (7) may be positioned ahead of him early. He ran really well when second in this race in 2024. He's another to be trained for this event.        

Sahlan (3) is an improving three-year-old. He was an upset winner of The Prix du Moulin (G1) at Longchamp in September. That came on a track with some give in it. He did win on a fast surface prior to that. Judging by his last race, he's a much better horse than the one who finished behind Jonquil (10) in The French 2,000 Guineas. His old rival Jonquil (10) ran really well from a wide draw on his Stateside debut. He has another far from ideal post here.     

Rhetorical (11) and Program Trading (5) ran one-two in The Keeneland Grade 1 Jonquil (10) ran well in. The winner is some story, progressing from New York bred races. There was no fluke in his upset victory last time. Program Trading (5) is having his third start back after missing a year and a half. He may be ready to runs his best. The five-year-old may outrun his odds going for top trainer and jockey. 

If the connections of The Lion In Winter (4) read the form book, they may want him ridden forwardly. He may not face much competition for the lead and has little to find with Sahlan (3). A penny for your thoughts Aidan and Christophe!

*You can bet on and check out the latest Breeders' Cup Mile Odds over on betfred.com 

Paul Quigley is a long-time US racing fan and tipster. He provides US Horse Racing Tips for Betfred Insights as well as working for Betfred TV...