2012 Breeders Cup Classic: Should Questing Tango with the Boys?

Questing … she’s such a brilliant filly that she will almost undoubtedly be made the favorite for the Fitz Dixon Cotillion, at Parx, in one week. Made the favorite despite running against the unbeaten champion My Miss Aurelia, and possibly against Gulfstream and Delaware Oaks winner Grace Hall, once again.

 

I cannot deny, that I think Questing will win against My Miss Aurelia, who actually beat her in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. That, however, will have been nearly 11 months ago, from when they meet again on September 22. Since then, Questing has dazzled in her subsequent dirt starts.

 

After making the switch to the main track this year, Questing has yet to meet an equal. She romped in an allowance win, going one mile at Belmont, then again at Saratoga going nine furlongs in the grade one Coaching Club American Oaks. One could call her next start, the grade one Alabama, a romp as well. In truth, however, that would be an understatement. Questing decimated the field, running the field off their feet while recording the third fastest Alabama in the race’s history.

 

Meanwhile, My Miss Aurelia was, simply put, unbeatable at two. She had an aura about her. Her closest race was the grade two Adirondack, where she dueled the entire race with Millionreasonswhy. She prevailed that day by a neck, showing unparalleled grit and determination for a filly at her age. Before and after, there was not a filly that could even come close to breathing the same air as she.

 

This year has been a completely different story. She was the early Kentucky Oaks favorite, but when a case of bucked shins arose, she was sidelined until early August. After a 10 month layoff she returned at Saratoga, the sight of her thrilling Adirondack victory. The champion returned with a win, to remain unbeaten, and her time for the six and a half furlong event was a snappy 1.15.9.

 

Though the race was won, and run in racehorse time there still remained some questions. The filly broke poorly, something she had not previously done, however, that could have been by design. The main concern was her inability to switch leads entering and during the stretch. She also lugged in some, signaling some fatigue.

 

These can be normal occurrences, after all, she was off 10 months and was probably rusty and needed the race. Some will not give her the benefit of the doubt that I do. I believe she will improve this next time out, and we’ll see some of the magic we saw last year. My only question is, will she improve enough to beat Questing? That I am not so sure of.

 

I will tab Questing to win this, and do so dominantly. Should this be the case, one can’t help but say she’s a definite go for the Breeders Cup, but which race? The obvious choice would be the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic, but should she win the Cotillion in the same fashion as her last three starts, who could not entertain the idea of running her in the Breeders Cup Classic?

 

For any other filly one might question her ability to run 10 furlongs effectively against the boys, especially her elders. Against three year old colts, I have little doubt she’d run them off their feet, but it is the older male group that poses a threat. Mucho Macho Man, To Honor and Serve, Fort Larned, and Game on Dude all have speed. All are tough hardened competitors that will not easily give up the advantage. If she were to be great enough to put turn them back, she then has Ron the Greek to worry about. He does not need a pace, but give him one and he’ll come running with a flourish.

 

There is no argument the Ladies Classic would be a challenge, but it would not hold a candle to the Classic. Had she not won the Alabama in such scintillating fashion, I would not even begin to entertain the thought of having a three year old filly pitted against males in the 10 furlong Classic. However, this is one of the most brilliant fillies we have seen, and I for one, think she is up to the challenge.

 

Should Questing win at Parx, and do it impressively, I say go for it. Go for the Classic, and rise to the occasion of true greatness.