2013 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint: The Contenders

I begin my 6 1/2 week coverage of the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint with a quick and dirty rundown of the fillies and mares I like best to make it to the winner's circle at Santa Anita ...

1. Groupie Doll - Some doubt the reigning champ’s ability to do it again in 2013; I do not. Her next stop will be at Keeneland, which is the same path she used last year.

2. Beholder  - I’m not sure if her connections are leaning this way or the Distaff, but if they do go short, the 2012 Juvenile Filly Champion has the talent to wins this.

3. Reneesgotzip  - The fastest of the fast, she will be the one they all have to come get when the field turns for home. She’ll enter the BC starting gate a fresh filly.

4. Dance To Bristol  - Still slightly ignored, her win in the Grade 1 Ballerina was her seventh in a row. Saturday’s Gallant Bloom should be her last race before the big one.

5. Book Review - She may not be the fastest of this bunch, but her stretch run has proven very effective at the seven furlong distance in stakes races on both coasts.

6. Sweet Lulu  - Like Beholder, which BC race being pointed to is a question, as she stretching out for the Cotillion. At seven furlongs, this undefeated filly would be a real threat.

The Best of the Rest

Starship Truffles - A grade 1 winner at Calder, I am willing to excuse her Spa loss.

Judy the Beauty - She hasn’t won lately, but the talent is there. Poor trip at Presque Isle.

Wildcat Lily - Underrated filly has run a bunch of strong races, including the Test.

Teddy’s Promise - Consistent performer in Southern California sprints.

Executiveprivilege - If she opts this way, multiple graded stakes winner is a threat.

Lighthouse Bay - Prioress winner didn’t get it done in the Test, but merits respect.

My Happy Face - Finished fast in the Test; looks to stretch out in the Cotillion.

So Many Ways - Needs to get back to her winning ways Saturday in the Charles Town Oaks.