Breeders' Cup Distaff shaping up as championships' best in 2018

It’s only July, and I cannot stop thinking about the potential of this year's Breeders' Cup Distaff as the championships return to Churchill Downs.

With Justify questionable to remain in training for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, many might turn to the Distaff -- now also a Saturday race, with only juveniles running in Breeders' Cup Friday events -- for excitement. I know I would.

After watching Monomoy Girl lay it on in the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga, it made me think, “Could this filly be the best three-year-old in training?” With Justify sidelined, that's likely.

Looking forward, the Breeders’ Cup Distaff is shaping up to the be race of the year. Along with Monomoy Girl, you can expect to see champions Unique Bella and Abel Tasman, along with recent stakes winners Elate, Wonder Gadot, Salty and Blue Prize.

Unique Bella will run this weekend in Del Mar's Clement L. Hirsch on the West Coast, whereas Abel Tasman is likely to go next in Saratoga's Personal Ensign. The champion sprinter and champion 3-year-old filly, respectively, could clash at Churchill.

Elate made her 4-year-old debut a winning one when dominating the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap earlier this month. It was her first start since running fourth in the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Last year, Elate won the Grade 1 Alabama and the Grade 1 Beldame.

Wonder Gadot not only was second to Monomoy Girl in the Kentucky Oaks, but she went on to win the Queens Plate and Tuesday night's Prince of Wales against males. These two races are the first two races in the Canadian Triple Crown. She'll aim toward the Grade 1 Alabama and then the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

Salty and Blue Prize were last seen winning the Grade 2 La Troienne and the Grade 2 Fleur de Lis, respectively, at Churchill Downs. We know they're both comfortable over the surface.

And that's not to mention Indiana Oaks winner Talk Veuve to Me and Delaware Oaks winner Red Ruby, who will also look to further prove themselves the second half of the season.

So in a year in which many consider the classic division a week one, is the Distaff the race we're most looking forward to at the 2018 Breeders' Cup?