Ponti given Mile go-ahead

Connections of Gio Ponti have decided to skip taking on one superstar filly Zenyatta in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and will instead take on another in Goldikova in the Mile.

Runner-up in the Classic behind Zenyatta last year, Gio Ponti has since finished fourth in the Dubai World Cup and second in the Arlington Million behind Debussy.

However, he looked impressive when winning the Grade One Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland on his last start and his display was good enough to persuade his owners, Castleton Lyons Farm Stud, to attempt to halt Goldikova’s march towards three successive wins in the Mile.

“Having thought long and hard about our choices, we have decided to enter our dual champion in the Breeders’ Cup Mile,” Castleton Lyons Stud president Shane Ryan told www.castletonlyons.com.

“As tempting as the Classic is we were awed with his last trip over the mile course at Keeneland when winning the Shadwell Mile.

“It is due to this professional performance that we feel we must take on the best milers in the world, including a showdown with Goldikova.

“I’m not sure which filly is more feared Goldikova or Zenyatta, either way neither race is a picnic! We are very much looking forward to the challenge.

“At this point we would like to wish all the connections in both races the very best of luck.”