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Pick Pony | April 13, 2024, 1:13 p.m.
The Maker's Mark Mile (G1), for 4-year-olds and up at 1 mile on the turf, runs Friday, April 12. Maker's Mark, the world-famous bourbon distiller headquartered in Loretto, Ky., has sponsored the Maker's Mark Mile since 1997.
Several class horses who have won this event in the spring have continued to prove their dominance. The 1991 winner, Opening Verse continued on to win the Breeders' Cup Mile that year. Several others, including Artie Schiller in 2005, 2006 US Champion Male Turf Horse Miesque’s Approval, and Kip Deville in 2007, have also performed this feat. Twice American Horse of the Year (2012, 2013), Wise Dan also won the Breeders' Cup Mile in 2013 and also captured this event the following year for the second time.
The field for the Maker’s Mark Mile is:
Equitize’s speed is steadily improving and he will be ridden by Jose Ortiz, the best jockey in the race. He’s trained by Chad Brown, too, the best trainer in the race. He’s been giving Equitize long periods of training between races including more than two months since his last race. But did Chad have enough time to improve Equitize’s speed numbers which are currently near the bottom? Despite his inexperience, Equitize could be your best in-the-money bet for this race if the overlay develops.
Emmanuel’s speed in on a steady decline but if anyone can turn a horse around, it’s Todd Pletcher. His works peaked recently so he may be up to something. And he has Irad Ortiz in the saddle, all of which makes a winning combination that’s hard to beat.
However, Emmnauel has bombed in G1 races before, including a 7th place in last year’s Maker’s Mark mile. His speed has been steadily declining, but his works look like they are peaking. But that decline in speed…
It’s hard to put Emmanuel in the money, but like Equitize, his support crew is the best in the business. We might take a longshot bet on him if the odds are favorable.
Naval Power comes in as an import via trainer Charlie Appleby. Other than a 6th-place finish in October 2022, Naval Power has known nothing but the winner’s circle. He is a force to be reckoned with. A finish in the money is all but guaranteed.
Master of the Seas easily averages the fastest speed overall. You might think this 6-year-old gelding may be showing his age. He’s taken a nearly 6-month break. However, he was only beaten by a nose two races prior. Had he had a little longer beak, he would have made it four straight wins in his last four outings. He’s our favorite, but he’ll be everyone else’s favorite too. Watch out for the underlay.
Kubrick’s speed on turf is a concern. However, his works have peaked, which may mean improvement is possible. But even with Chad Brown at the helm and Flavien Prat in the saddle, we aren’t putting Papa Dubawi’s colt in the money.
Shirl’s Speight is the turf master of this race. His speed, however, is inconsistent and fairly flat. His last two races have been disasters. We think this 7-year-old is beginning to show his age. Toss.
Du Jour is one of the speedier horses in this race. He doesn’t quite match up to Master of the Seas or Integration but is right in there with the likes of Shirl’s Speight. However, unlike Shirl’s Speight, Du Jour likes to lead. His speed has trended up for several races but within the moving average band, he may be ready for a bounce down this race. He’s won three of his last four. We don’t think he’ll win this one, but we do think an in-the-money finish is on the radar.
Integration’s speed and pace have surged, and he’s especially fast on turf. Each time he faces more challenging competition, he proves to be up to the task with improved speed and form. Up until his first G1, he seemed unbeatable.
Frank Dettori is coming off a 6-win meet, meaning the saddle will be hot, hot, hot. We think he’ll continue his streak with at least a second-place finish, if not the win.