2009 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1)

I really did think, probably more so than any other race in the Breeders Cup, that Mastercraftsman was truly the class of this field. He had a really bad trip throughout most of the race, but there was a moment when Johnny Murtagh could have swung him out off of the rail through a seam about 2 lengths off of the rail. If he had done that, I think Mastercraftsman would have picked up and went on to win. But Murtagh kept him pinned on that rail, and once Mastercraftsman starting gaining momentum, Murtagh tried taking him through a gap on the rail that was narrow, Mastercraftsman acted as if he were claustrophobic of it. I truly believe that decision may have cost Mastercraftsman the race. JMO.

Furthest Land was an overlay considering he was coming off of a sharp Ky Cup Classic win, and he once again showed his fondness for synthetic in the BC Dirt Mile. Ready's Echo snatched 2nd from Midshipman.

Furthest Land (1st) - $44.60, $18.40, $9.60
Ready's Echo (2nd) - $18.20, $9.40
Midshipman (3rd) - $4.20
Mastercraftsman (4th)

$1 Exacta - $329.10
$1 Trifecta - $2,933.40
.10 cent Superfecta - $666.19

I agree that his placement in the dirt mile is strange. The other issue is that the dirt mile is a quicker race with a bunched field on tight turns... much more room for a bad trip to take you out of the race.

I also agree that Mastercraftsman is hugely talented... but perhaps his placement in this race is a state of confidence in Rip Van Winkle for the Classic.