'He may be 150-1 to win, but he's 7-2 to finish second or third'

Breeders' Cup Classic | Grade 1 | 3yo+ | Dirt | 1m2f | ATR

Jimmy Jerkens, trainer of Effinex and Shaman Ghost
They're coming in strong and that's what you want. You want them coming in off good races at least. Effinex hasn't been overraced this year and we like how he's doing but I'd rather have him [drawn] outside. He's classy but doesn’t like being in the gate too long. Shaman Ghost was a nice three-year-old and had a lot of time off to recuperate from ankle surgery. It's been a natural progression this year. He won the Woodward by a head – it's not like he blew them away, but this being over an extra eighth of a mile has to help.

Todd Pletcher, trainer of Keen Ice
The further he goes the better he gets. He loves the mile and a quarter. If Melatonin, California Chrome and Arrogate go to a certain degree there could be a favourable pace set-up. He's proven in the past he's got a big race in him. The way he's training, he's coming into the race the best he can be.

George Papaprodromou, trainer of Win The Space
He deserves his place and has run well against California Chrome a couple of times. I'd like to see them go a little fast out there, so hopefully we can catch them up at the finish.

David Hofmans, trainer of Melatonin
I think we have a good chance to hit the board because he likes this track so much and is fresh. He loves being fresh, loves running fresh and I think the distance is ideal – a mile and an eighth is too short. He's doing awesome.

Ron Paolucci, owner of War Story
This has been our target all along – if you believe in your horse and you think you can get third in the Classic, that's as good as a win in the Dirt Mile. We're hoping for a lot of speed in the race, but if not we may lay a little closer because of how the track usually plays. He may be 150-1 to win, but I believe he's 7-2 to finish second or third.