Trainer Bruce Jackson has cast In Excess` lot with the Mile. The Horse of the Year candidate had been pre-entered in the Breeders` Cup Sprint, Mile and Classic.
”It was a very tough decision,” Jackson said. ”I didn`t feel the horse really cared for the surface here. As for getting 1 1/4 miles (the Classic`s distance) I`ve never felt he`s a real 1 1/4-mile horse. The mile was a distance I always felt was very good for him.”
The 3-1 morning-line second choice has won six of 12 grass starts.
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The weather may dictate the race more than the horses will. With rain expected in Kentucky Thursday and Friday, there`s no predicting the shape of the Churchill Downs turf course.
That worries Ron McAnally, trainer of Arlington Million victor Tight Spot. The Mile`s morning-line favorite at 5-2 is undefeated on the grass. But those eight wins, dating back to June 22, 1990, have all come over a firm course.
France`s Priolo, who ran third after a troubled trip in last year`s Mile, is back for another try.
Also notable in the field of 14 is Arlington owner Dick Duchossois`
Second Set.