Plum draw good news for a fourth Goldikova Breeders Cup Mile win

It is early advantage Goldikova in her eagerly anticipated head-to-head with Strong Suit in the Breeders Cup Mile following the completion of the draw.

Goldikova is bidding to achieve an untouchable fourth successive victory in the Breeders Cup Mile and has been handed the plum draw to help achieve this feat right against the rail in stall one.

This could be pivotal given that many fans believe that the wonder mare is now past her best, having been beaten three times this season from her five starts.

However, it is no shame finishing second to the likes of Canford Cliffs and Dream Ahead and there are certainly reasons to believe that her flame is burning as bright as ever.

An inside draw means that she will be able to take the shortest route round Churchill Downs and 2/1 suddenly looks an even better price in the Breeders Cup odds that she continues her love affair with the race.

Thierry Blaise, Goldikova’s work rider, said: “We are very happy with her position this time. She was drawn on the outer last year but we think this is a better place for her.

“It’s a good position for Olivier Peslier and should give him more room than if she was on the outside again, and she will have less distance to travel.”

Strong Suit was not so fortunate with the draw ahead of his US debut as Richard Hannon’s charge will have to begin wide from stall 11.

The early suggestions were that Strong Suit would employ a slightly different race strategy than usual and potentially lead from the gate, rather than being held up.

However, the draw may have scuppered this plan and it will be interesting where the horse will be positioned, especially given that he may not be suited to the demands of the Churchill Downs circuit.

Strong Suit is 7/2 to upset Goldikova’s quest for superstardom and win the Breeders Cup Mile.