The distance of the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic , 1-1/4 miles, could be an obstacle on Saturday for several horses.
It should pose no problem for Drosselmeyer, winner of the 1-1/2-mile Belmont Stakes last year. Even so, the colt is 15-1 on the morning line in the richest race of Breeders' Cup weekend.
Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Drosselmeyer is 1 for 6 since the Belmont victory, but the 4-year-old seems to be rounding into form. He was second behind Flat Out most recently in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park. And he can handle this track, scoring his first win at Churchill Downs in 2009.
"Drosselmeyer's first couple of races this year were very mediocre, but since the middle of August, he's had a reawakening," Mott said. "He trained very well and ran very well in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Flat Out was clearly an easy winner. We ran hard to beat everybody else. We're just hoping he'll continue to improve off that race."
Mott is also hoping for enough early speed to benefit Drosselmeyer's late-running style.
"He's a horse you know is going to keep coming," Mott said. "With the right type of pace scenario, we're hoping he can get a big piece of it."
Drosselmeyer reunites with Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith for the first time since the Belmont victory.
Mott also sends out Pennsylvania Derby winner To Honor and Serve in the Classic. The colt is 12-1.
