I'm not playing the race, since I'll be on a plane from Miami-SF. So this is just a rant (I do that better than picking horses anyway):
First of all, the 'Dirt' mile is a perfect name for this loser of a race, that besmirches the image of the Breeder's Cup, drains competitive horses from more interesting races, and is held on a weekday, which is entirely appropriate for its low class/no class/skim milk status.
Second, Discreet Cat--hands down the classiest horse in the race--will either get buried on the rail by the outside speed or used early to clear it, and in either case is not worth the slim price he would pay if he won, which he won't, and even if he did it would prove nothing, so why are they running him? I sure as hell don't know. To quote the good doctor:
Before I read your post, I was reading the BC PPs and found myself getting upset myself at the dirt mile for the same reason. It reminds me of the expansion in the four major sports and subsequent dilution of talent and drop in quality of play.
In the future we will probably see contenders (as well as horses that might make it interesting) bailing out of the Saturday races for the chance to make some cheap money on Friday. Due to the fact that this is a very stong year for the Classic the symptoms might not be that obvious however in a lean year the problems presented by this race will be transparent.
Given all this I like Rebellion with Dominguez on top with nice paying Place/Show bet:)
To quote the Coach, Lee Corso, "Not so fast my friend!"
Hasn't it always been said that milers make the best sires? I think a Dirt Mile is a fine race. There are countless horses who are not the right fit for the 6f Sprint or the 1 1/4 Classic, so where do they go? You can try the Mile on the turf but not every horse is able to adapt to the turf. In years past horses like Corinthian or Discreet Cat would have simply skipped the BC. Don't forget, this is the Breeders' Cup, emphasis on BREEDER. Mr. Gaines' original BC concept wanted to reward breeders, not neccessarily to have a season end championship day. This program rewards the breeders all year long. If milers make the best sires and if the BC is to reward breeders, then the BC Dirt Mile is a perfect fit (pulling out freshmen logic/philosophy there! NEVER thought I would use that!!!
I think it is a race that was needed and I'll take it. Having said that, mixed feelings on the Filly and Mare Sprint (they can take on the boys) and think looking more at a Turf Sprint might have been wise. Just my two cents though. Hope to see the Juvy Turf grow into a top class event with many Euros making the trip in the future instead of being put on the shelf in late Sept/early October.