The $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) is one of the initial seven races that have been run each year since the inaugural event at Hollywood Park in 1984. It is the main event in deciding who will win the Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old filly and of the 39 winners of the race, 35 have earned the year-end championship honor, including Wonder Wheel a year ago. It was worth $1 million until 2005.
Of the four Eclipse Award winners who didn’t win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, one finished first but was disqualified (She’s A Tiger in 2013 was placed second behind Ria Antonia for interference in the stretch.) The others — Chilukki (1999) and Family Style (1985) were both second in this race while Golden Attraction (1985) was third. Champion Outstandingly in 1984 finished second in the Breeders’ Cup but was elevated to the win after the disqualification of rival Fran’s Valentine.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies: A History of Champion Fillies and Milestones
Only two winners of this race so far — Open Mind (1988) and Silverbulletday (1998) – have gone on to wear the lilies after winning the Kentucky Oaks (G1) the following year and both were also crowned champion 3-year-old filly, too. Others to have won dual championships include Go For Wand (1989, 1990), Beholder (2012, 2013), and Songbird (2015, 2016). Beholder, who was also the champion older female in 2015 and 2016, won the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) in 2013 and 2016.
When it comes to the record books, D. Wayne Lukas stands tall as the trainer with the most Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winners, an impressive total of six victories. His remarkable success includes horses like Twilight Ridge (1985), Open Mind (1988), Flanders (1994), Cash Run (1999), Folklore (2005), and Take Charge Brandi (2014). In the jockey category, Mike Smith and Joel Rosario are tied for the lead with three wins each. Smith’s victories came aboard Stardom Bound (2008), Songbird (2015), and Caledonia Road (2017). Rosario, on the other hand, secured wins with Jaywalk (2018), Vequist (2020), and Echo Zulu (2021). Additionally, seven other jockeys have two wins apiece in this prestigious race.
Stardom Bound still holds the time record at the current distance, logging 1:40.99 in 2008.
In conclusion, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies is a race that has not only been a showcase for some of the most promising young fillies in the sport but has also been a pivotal factor in determining Eclipse Award winners. With legendary trainers, jockeys, and unforgettable moments in its history, this race continues to be a focal point in the world of horse racing, capturing the hearts of fans and etching indelible memories in the annals of the sport.
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.
