Breeders' Cup contender Talco dies during surgery

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) Talco, who had earned a berth in this month's Breeders' Cup Mile at Keeneland, has died.

Trainer John Sadler said Saturday the 4-year-old died while undergoing arthroscopic surgery a few days ago.

Talco got into the Breeders' Cup by winning the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile on June 13. Talco had five wins in 17 career starts and earnings of $543,123 for owner Hronis Racing.

He finished fourth in his last race, the City of Hope Mile on Sept. 27 at Santa Anita.