By Dick Downey

The list of probables for the Breeders' Cup Classic will undoubtedly change before pre-entries are due on Oct. 22, but here's the best we know based on the information that's out there.

Barring unforeseen occurences, definite for the race are Alpha, Flat Out, Fort Larned, Game On Dude, Golden Ticket, Mucho Macho Man, Nonios, Richard's Kid, Ron the Greek, To Honor and Serve. That's 10 horses. Fourteen is the maximum field size. Game On Dude, Richard's Kid and Nonios would be the only starters based in California.

Possibles include Bourbon Courage (second in the Indiana Derby), Nate's Mineshaft (could have a new trainer after an owner-trainer dispute led to a Hawthorne Gold Cup scratch), Pool Play (won the Hawthorne Gold Cup, Marathon an option), Rail Trip (fourth in the Awesome Again, Dirt Mile an option), Stay Thirsty (second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Dirt Mile or Cigar Mile are options),

Maybe's include Atigun (fourth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup), Dullahan (up the track in the Jamaica; Dirt Mile or perhaps the Mile), Handsome Mike (Pennsylvania Derby winner, Dirt Mile), Wise Dan (connections leaning to the Mile).

To read more about these contenders, just click to our Classic page.