The $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) was first run in 2008 and brings together the best 2-year-old female turf horses from North America and overseas (think Ireland).
The 1-mile test at Keeneland on Friday – the third of five Breeders’ Cup races on opening day of the $34 million, 14-race, two-day extravaganza.
The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf is carded as race 8, with a 4:15 p.m. ET post time. The race will be televised by USA Network and Peacock.
The pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup races will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 21; the post-position draw and morning-line odds will be revealed on Monday, Oct. 26.
Like the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), Ireland-breds have dominated this race with six winners overall, including four of the last six. Balantina (20-1) won last year’s edition for trainer Donnacha O’Brien -- a son of Irish training wizard Aidan O’Brien.
Prominent winners include Stephanie’s Kitten, Lady Eli, Meditate, and Lake Victoria.
Note: Jockeys listed below are from the horse’s previous race; changes are likely.
Clearly, Sun Goddess is the filly to beat in a field that usually fills out with 14 starters. The 2-year-old star has won six of eight starts, placed second in the other two, and enters this race with a five-race winning streak. Last out, Sun Goddess set a track record at Newmarket over 6 furlongs, winning by a length over Libertango (a rival she’s likely to face in this race) in the Cheveley Park Stakes (G1). That win came just 13 days after a 6 ½-length romp in the 7-furlong Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1) at the Curragh on Sept. 13.
Betting Angle: With a high cruising speed, she seems comfortable either dictating the pace or running just behind the leaders. Not much value, so a win wager won’t produce a significant profit.
What to watch: She may start slow, but if her consistent long-striding style holds up, she’ll be tough to handle.
Ireland-bred filly was distant second to Sun Goddess in Moyglare Stud on Sept. 13, but bounced back with a rallying, photo-finish win in the Prix Marcel Boussac at ParisLongchamp on Oct. 4. She has finished first or second in her five career starts.
Betting Angle: Looking to avenge her loss to Sun Empress and should deliver a strong effort as her son (Joseph O’Brien) tries to beat his dad (Aidan O’Brien).
What to Watch: Filly should be in a stalking position or in mid-pack to put on a closing run.
The No Nay Never Ireland-bred filly also comes in with a superb resume of two wins and three seconds from five races. She’s won at Ascot and York; most recently she ran second to Sun Goddess in the Cheveley Park, giving the Euros another top contender.
Betting Angle: Owns a win over Sun Goddess in the Albany Stakes (G3) at Ascot in June, the victory coming in a dramatic closing finish in the final 110 yards of the 6-furlong race.
What to Watch: Is an Ireland 1-2-3 sweep in the cards? Track conditions are always a factor, so pay attention to the weather.
If the Irish trio doesn’t run (always possible before pre-entries are drawn), Domestic Agenda has a solid chance to extend his record to 3-0. The American Pharoah filly won the 1 1/16-mile Miss Grillo Stakes (G3) at Belmont on Oct. 3 by 4 ½ lengths. Plus, Chad Brown has won this race six times.
Why a Value Bet? Could be a rising star who could be overlooked in the wagering, with this race being dominated by Europeans. However, Brown is among the world’s top turf trainers, so watch the tote board for changing odds.
The Risk: You could bet her to win, but do it early because odds are likely to drop as post time gets closer. Currently at about 8-1, this is a risk worth taking.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
