Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies: Projected field, odds and analysis
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies generally attracts a full field and offers a great ROI, at least in California. Three of the last five winners have returned between $32.30 - $61.70 for a $2 win bet.
Let’s review the obvious candidates for the 1 1/16 mile contest with projected odds by Horse Racing Nation. Also check out some need-to-know tips before betting the Juvenile Fillies.
Alluring Star [ML-6-1 (Exchange Rate - Spring Jump, by Jump Start) Baffert-2-1-1-0 - $96,000]
Alluring Star proved her quality when thrown into the deep end of the Chandelier Stakes after winning her maiden just 28 days previously. The Baffert trainee set a comfortable early pace but was no match for the more experienced Moonshine Madness. Speed/fade candidate.
Caledonia Road [12-1 (Quality Road - Come a Callin, by Dixie Union) Nicks - 2-1-1-0 - $129,800]
Caledonia Road put in a sustained drive from the back of the pack in the Frizette but looked surprised and unsure when Separationofpowers found another gear and pulled away by 3 1/2 lengths. Connections may target the 1 1/8 mile Demoiselle instead of shipping to compete over the speed-favoring Del Mar dirt. Promising youngster could have a say in the exotics if she enters the Juvenile Fillies.
Heavenly Love had a perfect stalking trip in the Alcibiades. The rapidly improving daughter of Malibu Moon has won her last two starts by a combined 10 1/2 lengths. Trainer Mark Casse conditioned last year’s Juvenile Fillies runner-up Valadorna. Another step forward makes her a serious contender.
Undefeated in two starts. Benefited from a speed duel in the five-horse Spinaway, beating a fading Separationofpowers by 3 1/2 lengths. Too many things for this filly to overcome if she targets the Breeders’ Cup; 63-day layoff, no race beyond seven furlongs and a sprint-oriented pedigree. Pass.
Maya Malibu [30-1 (Malibu Moon - Island Sand, by Tabasco Cat) Motion – 3-1-1-1 - $130,400]
Runner-up in the Spinaway and Frizette. Passed late by Lady Ivanka in the Spinaway and was a tired filly at the end of the Frizette. This isn’t a strong Juvenile Fillies line up, so if she heads out west, might figure for an exotic placing.
Dual Grade One winner can lead or sit off the pace. She won her debut at Del Mar. Most consistent filly in the field. Deserving favorite.
Piedi Bianchi [8-1 (Overanalyze - Adore You, by Tactical Cat) O'Neill - 4-1-2-1 - $141,000]
Tries hard, but Moonshine Memories has her number. Made up ground in the Chandelier over a speed favoring track and just missed second place. Piedi Bianchi won her debut at Del Mar, and the stalker needs a good trip to overcome the speed bias. Contender.
Princess Warrior [12-1 (Midshipman - Sessa, by Consolidator) McPeek – 2-1-1-0 - $110,600]
She made a sustained drive in the Alcibiades to gain second place. Princess Warrior had a wide trip while making up seven lengths and got a little tired at the end. She’ll be running at the end of the Juvenile Fillies and is another contender who needs a good trip to hit the board. Exotics contender.
Tired after dueling in the Spinaway, but showed what she’s capable of in the Frizette, powering away to win by 3 1/2 lengths. Pedigree says she should get stronger with maturity and distance. Serious win contender.