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.