2014 Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf: Dayatthespa In California

U.S. barnmates Dayatthespa and Stephanie's Kitten showed the world that European grass horses can be beaten at their own game. The two American runners ended recent European dominance of the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf  by running one-two for trainer Chad Brown.

With defending champ Dank in the field, as well as Secret Gesture, Just the Judge and Fiesolana, hopes were high for the European invaders to take another win in the event, or a possible sweep of the first three spots, an accomplishment the Euro's put up in last years running here at Santa Anita.

However, Dayatthespa went right to the front under jockey Javier Castellano and dictated matters her own way, slowing the pace down and conserving enough late to hold off the oncoming charge of Stephanie's Kitten. Just The Judge, always prominent, ran well to hold the show spot, just in front of Dank.

The champ, away since racing at Ascot in June, swung out wide on the turn for home under Ryan Moore,  but did not have the rapid acceleration that she displayed in 2013. 

Javier (Castellano) did an awesome job," said Brown. "He was able to set an easy pace. We knew that if she got a little tired (on the lead), Stephanie’s Kitten would be coming, so we had it covered either way. I just wish there could be two winners. Both mares ran terrific.”