Goldikova goes for history in Mile

Trainer Freddie Head, who's won four runnings of the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), two as

a jockey and two as trainer, is cautiously optimistic that GOLDIKOVA (Ire)

(Anabaa) can

become the first horse ever to win three consecutive Breeders' Cup races. Goldikova, who came from the outside post 11 to win last year's Mile, drew post

10 for this running.

"I would have liked more of an inside draw," Head admitted, "but she won from the

outside last year, so we'll manage.

"She's coming into this race better than she did last year, when she lost the

prep (Prix de la Foret [Fr-G1])," Head added. "In fact, this has been her best year so

far. Everything is going well. It's like it's too good to be true."

Goldikova, who set a record for European runners when she made the Foret her

11th Group or Grade 1 victory on October 3, was beaten just once in five tries

this year, and that came on soft ground at Deauville in August.

"She doesn't really like it soft," Head said, "and the horse who beat her (Makfi

[Dubawi])

is a very talented three-year-old who loved the going.

"I'm sure the ground here will be to her liking. As far as tactics, that's up

to the rider."

"She's training amazing, Billy says," Smith said. "Not just

him, I've heard that from several people that are really watching. I've been

getting texts and phone calls from people saying how great she's doing."

A confirmed closer, Proviso drew what might otherwise be a difficult outside

post for the race.

"I know Goldikova's going to be extremely tough to beat, but we're the kind

of horse that if she's going to get beat, we can certainly be the one to do it,"

Smith added. "I'm excited about it. She's had a great year this year. She's

beaten the boys already once this year (Kilroe Mile [G1] at Santa Anita in

March). We'll be ready."

SIDNEY'S CANDY (Candy Ride [Arg]), the probable pacesetter in Saturday's Mile, jogged

one mile Wednesday morning at approximately 6:45 (EDT) under exercise rider

Jose Alferez.

"I haven't heard any more in that regard," trainer John Sadler said Wednesday

morning at his Barn 39 headquarters. "There's nothing further to report. Jenny

will be in (from California) tomorrow and will see him run on Saturday."

Sadler had earlier indicated that no matter who owns the colt, Sidney's Candy

will run in the $2 million Mile.

Joel Rosario rides Sidney's Candy, whose last start was August 14 at Del Mar in

the La Jolla H. (G2), a race he won handily while setting a grass-course record

of 1:39 2/5 for 1 1/16 miles.

Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) winner WORKFORCE

(King's Best), headed to Saturday's Turf (G1), returned to the grass course for a mile gallop on Wednesday under jockey Ryan

Moore, this time with trainer Michael Stoute in attendance.

"The track is in wonderful shape, and it has good cover," he said afterward.

"It's firmer than we'd like, and there has not been enough rain. We'll monitor

it each day."

Multiple Grade 1 winner WINCHESTER (Theatrical [Ire]) arrived safely on a flight from New

York on Tuesday evening and was out on Churchill's track first thing on Wednesday for an

easy gallop once around under Christophe Lorieul, assistant to trainer

Christophe Clement.

Clement, scheduled to arrive on Friday, said he was delighted when Winchester

drew post 2 for the Turf because it will allow the horse to save ground in the 1

1/2 mile race.

Mazarine S. (Can-G3) runner-up DELIGHTFUL MARY (Limehouse) was out on the main track for her

1 1/4-mile gallop when a loose horse stirred up a bit of excitement, although no

damage was done.

"She always seems to be around when trouble comes," trainer Mark Casse said

of the Juvenile Fillies (G1) runner. "But she's fine. She showed off for the

cameras some, but she's a laid back filly. If you didn't know her, you'd think she was sick because she's so calm and

easy-going all of the time. But when it's time to run, she knows

exactly what that means. She is truly delightful and is delightful to train."

"After his debut, I had gotten a call that he was for sale," Dutrow said. "I

drove to Monmouth and that was it. One look and I knew I had to buy him. We

loved him. Listen to Ramon (jockey Dominguez) talk about the horse; he

loves him too."

Juvenile hopeful RIVETING REASON (Fusaichi Pegasus), still a maiden but twice

stakes-placed, went to the track in his new gear -- blinkers -- and showed a

liking for the equipment change. Maria Ayala, the assistant trainer for

owner-trainer Myung Kwon Cho, said she expects the blinkers to help the

youngster focus.

Trainer Jimmy Toner decided not to let his Juvenile Fillies Turf (G2)

contender WINTER MEMORIES (El Prado [Ire]) train on the grass course Wednesday

because there was a great deal of activity around the track with the arrival of

Zenyatta. Instead, he sent the unbeaten lass out for a 1 1/4-mile gallop on the

main track.

"She went out there, had a good gallop and everything was fine," he said.