Trainer Richard Fahey confirmed Tuesday that Ribchester, Europe's top miler, will make his next start Oct. 21 in the G1 QE II Stakes on British Champion's Day at Ascot. That's not news. More interesting from a North American perspective is whether Fahey and Godolphin, which owns the 4-year-old colt, intend to come back two weeks after the QE II in the Breeders' Cup Mile.

Fahey's answer: If possible, yes. 

"We're hoping to do both, and all being well we would like to go, but we’ll have to decide after the QE II," Fahey said.

Fahey spoke glowingly of Ribchester's toughness, but it's a big ask doing the QE II - BC Mile double this year. It requires racing on a Saturday, taking a long trip from England to Southern California just six or seven days later, acclimating to a new climate and environment while recovering from a major race, and then running in another top-class race about a week after traveling.

Maybe Ribchester is capable of handling everything, but I wouldn't bet on it.

You can read more about this situation and the Mile in general at www.drf.com when the first round of weekly Breeders' Cup coverage begins posting today or tomorrow.