LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Hap became one of the deserving favorites for the Breeders' Cup Mile after getting a textbook trip under Jerry Bailey to win the $558,500, Grade 2 Shadwell Keeneland Turf Mile. The distinctive-looking chestnut prevailed by 1 1/2 lengths and returned $5.20 as favorite in a field of nine.

Where's Taylor, an 18-1 shot who put away front-running North East Bound to open a clear lead after turning for home, held second, a head before Aly's Alley. Brahms was another three-quarters of a length back in fourth, while the rest finished well back.

The major concern for Bailey and trainer Bill Mott has been whether a mile is too short for Hap, a 5-year-old homebred owned by the Allen Paulson Living Trust.

"He's not really a mile horse, or at least that hasn't really been his strong point," said Bailey. "But today Billy had him a little sharper, and I was able to put him in the middle of the pack. He made my job a lot easier."

With his 10th victory from 16 starts netting a $346,270 winner's share, Hap now has earned over $1.24 million. The son of Theatrical had finished second in the 1 1/4-mile Arlington Million in his previous start.