Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Preview

The second running of the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Sprint will be much better than the last. Last years winner, Maryfield, has since been retired, but runner up Miraculous Miss will seek to take the top prize this time around. Indian Blessing, winner of the 2007 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies is also entered. The lightly raced Zaftig will also seek to add this win to her resume which includes only six races, this one included. Ventura finished second in the Woodbine Mile against the boys last out, and will also vie for the title in the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

As can be expected in just about any sprint race, this event is loaded with speed. There is no telling who
will get the lead, but you can expect to see Dearest Tricksi, Dream Rush, and Indyanne all on front end. A speed duel will almost undoubtedly take place. If I had to guess who will come out on top, I would take Dream Rush based off of her 43 2/5 half mile fraction last in the Presque Isle Downs Masters. I expect all three of these fillies to fade.

Indian Blessing should be making her move midway through the race. Her move is different than 90% of horses out there. It is a monstrous kick for home, and has only failed her twice in ten starts. When she strikes the lead she will have the task of holding off Zaftig, something she wasn’t able to do earlier this year. Zaftig moved by ‘Blessing like she was standing still in that race, drawing off by 4 lengths even though her jockey lost the whip. This will be her first race since that win, and if she runs anything like she did that day there is no beating her.

Ventura will likely be in the mix late. Her only start on a synthetic surface resulted in a powerful victory as she charged home seven wide to take the Grade 2 Madison at Keeneland. Intangaroo is another viable choice. She hasn’t been met with much fanfare, but the daughter of Orientate has won four Grade 1 races this year. Her best win came last out in the Grade 1 Ballinera where she ran six wide and ended up winning by two lengths.

My top pick is going to be Zaftig. I love her pedigree, Gone West is one of the best sire of sprinters. The distance suits her well. Two of her three wins came at this seven furlongs distance, and the other came at eight furlongs. Her closing style should be beneficial as the race has tons of speed. As I previously stated, if her last race is any indication she should wipe this field out. I’ll look to Indian Blessing to finish second. She has been even more lethal since learning to rate. Ventura also looks tough. She has been great this year, and her trainer Bobby Frankel makes her all the more dangerous. I’m confident one of these three fillies will take the top prize in the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf.