2013 Breeders' Cup Filly And Mare Turf: Dank To The Bank

My preview of the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf race was titled, Euro Dollars, and for good reason. DANK, unraced since mid-August after capturing the the G1 Beverly D in her United States debut following a journey from England, ROMANTICA, last seen mid-September when well behind eventual Arc inner Treve in the Prix Vermeille, and ALTERITE, who came to North America following a run in the Triple Crown for fillies in France, ran one-two-three at Santa Anita to take 90% of the $2 million Filly and Mare Turf purse money offered. 

Sent off as the 3-2 race favorite in the 10 furlong event, DANK, under the guidance of Ryan Moore, broke from the rail post and appeared a bit unsettled in the opening part of the race until surprising pace setter EMOLLIENT took control of the lead. The 4-year old DANK was then content to track in second down the backstretch before challenging on the final turn and drawing even with the leader.

The European trained by Sir Michael Stoute took over the front at the top of the stretch, and proceeded to hold off the late charging French invader ROMANTICA nearing the wire to post a half-length victory in a record time of 1:53.73. ALTERITE, ridden by Javier Castellano, who was a late substitute for injured jockey John Velazquez, who was involved in an accident one race prior, finished third. EMOLLIENT held on for fourth to round out the superfecta. 

The winner is owned by Mrs. James Wigan, and has now won seven of 12 career starts.