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 40 winners of the race, 36 have earned the year-end championship honor, including Just F Y I a year ago. It was worth $1 million until 2005.
Just F Y I
Will this year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Winner be crowned champion?
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.
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 winners of this race to have won dual championships include Go For Wand (1989, 1990), Beholder (2012, 2013) and Songbird (2015, 2016). Beholder, who was also champion older female in 2015 and 2016, won the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) in 2013 and 2016.
D. Wayne Lukas still owns the record for most winners with six (1985, Twilight Ridge; 1988, Open Mind; 1994, Flanders; 1999, Cash Run; 2005, Folklore; and 2014, Take Charge Brandi.) Mike Smith (2008, Stardom Bound; 2015, Songbird; and 2017, Caledonia Road) and Joel Rosario (2018, Jaywalk; 2020, Vequist; and 2021, Echo Zulu) lead all jockeys with three wins each. Seven others are tied with two wins each on their resumes.
Stardom Bound still holds the time record at the current distance, logging 1:40.99 in 2008.
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