2011 Breeders Cup: Goldikova Won't Win Fourth Straight Mile vs. Strong Field

Six-year-old mare Goldikova will try to outlast the boys once again in the 2011 Breeders' Cup Mile. She has won the race each of the last three years and is the favorite to do so again at Churchill Downs on Saturday. However, it's a strong field that will find a way to end her streak.

Ray Kerrison of the New York Post said the following about the Irish horse's chances.

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Not even the wonder mare Goldikova, trying for an unprecedented fourth Cup victory, can be conceded the prize. She's lost three of her last four races in Europe and even her admirers think she has "lost a step" at the age of 6. Count her vulnerable.

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It's certainly not the type of build up trainer Freddy Head was hoping for when Goldikova returned to action in May. She had won four of her five races before the Mile last year and was in much better form heading to Kentucky.

And there's no shortages of horses waiting to take advantage of a weakened champion.

Gio Ponti finished second in last year's race and will be a strong contender once again. After a disappointing performance in the Dubai World Cup, he's finished in the money four straight times, including a Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes win in his last outing.

Courageous Cat, who finished second in 2009 to Goldikova, is back and is looking for revenge. He's had a terrific season and is trending upward as the race approaches. In three 2011 races, Courageous Cat has won two of them and finished second in the other.

Turallure has won the last two races he's entered, including the G1 Woodbine Mile in which he outlasted Courageous Cat. The gray horse has been posting some terrific workout times in recent weeks and will be in the mix.

Other sleepers to watch include Mr. Commons and Byword.

Race officials have pushed the Mile back on the card in order to feature Goldikova. While it's been an awesome run, there's a strong chance it ends on Saturday.