American import scares away Mouttet Mile aspirants

Saturday’s Philip Feanny Gold Cup has, rather oddly, attracted only five starters, a $2.5-million grade-one event with a Mouttet Mile win-and-you’re-in ticket attached.

Considering six Mouttet Mile slots have been reserved for foreigners shipping directly into the US$300,000 event set for December 5, local-based prospects would have been expected to be scrambling for points three months out, especially with connections not knowing how many North American shippers could be eyeing the rich purse.

The sparse field, which includes already-qualified RIDEALLDAY, last year’s Mouttet Mile winner seeking redemption after flopping in July’s Diamond Mile, could be the result of a repellant, a seven-year-old American gelding, THE PRINCE’S SPUR, making his local debut.