2022 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint: Ranking first to last

Last year's Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) was supposed to be a concluding coronation to Gamine's great career, but Ce Ce would have none of that, brining slight chaos to the shortest field in the 2021 Breeders' Cup. Ce Ce is back to defend her crown in 2022 and while she will not have to defeat a heavy favorite this year, the path is not any easier with twelve opponents lined up this time around.

The field of thirteen features a nice blend of accomplished older runners, rising three-year-olds and early pace. Below I take a closer look at how this blistering pace will impact exotic wagering as I rank this year's runners from first to last.

1) #7 Obligatory - 8-1: Bill Mott's filly has a furious closing kick and should get the pace she needs to pull off a mild upset. She disappointed last out when encountering a bit of trouble, but has been near the top of this division all year and could easily turn the tables on Goodnight Olive at a more attractive price. A fast seven-furlong race is right up this runner's alley.

2) #8 Goodnight Olive - 3-1: She has done nothing wrong in her last five starts as she just keeps running faster as she steps up in class. She defeated a strong field in the Ballerina (G1) and has a great style for this race. It would be surprising if this rising star does not finish in the exacta.

3) #4 Ce Ce - 4-1: The defending champion fits the profile that is likely to be successful in this race. The top three picks are all older Grade 1 winners at this distance who have shown they can pass horses. She may not be quite as good as last year and she faces a deeper field, but she is still capable of making serious noise.

4) #13 Echo Zulu - 6-1: Last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner is the most intriguing runner out of the multiple speed horses in this race. The draw did her no favors, but she is undefeated around one-turn and may prove to be a top sprinter. She has the upside to potentially hang around in this tough assignment. 

5) #5 Frank's Rockette - 6-1:  She was in sharp form at the beginning of last year before tailing off in the latter part of the year. She appears to be back to her peak form now and is unbelievably consistent, running in the trifecta in 21 of 23 starts. The only two starts that she did not run in the top three happened to be at Keeneland. 

6) #2 Edgeway - 15-1: Like Frank's Rockette, this mare typically shows up with a good race. She has won 8 of 13 in her life, but is 0 for 3 at seven furlongs. She could contend for a piece, but is unlikely to work out an ideal trip from the inside with her pressing style.

7) #11 Wicked Halo - 15-1: She returns in just two weeks after a nice win over this course against her own age. Facing older for the first time on a quick turnaround will not be the easiest of tasks, but she certainly has talent. 

8) #8 Chain of Love - 20-1: The Japanese mare was only a head behind last year's Breeders' Cup Sprint runner-up, Dr. Schivel, in March and is a good price for those willing to take a chance. She may not have enough speed to seriously contend at this level. 

9) #12 Lady Rocket - 10-1: She has run races that make her a contender based on speed figures, but every one of those featured her on the early lead. She is simply not the same horse when dueling for the lead and will not have her preferred trip in here. 

10) #1 Slammed- 15-1: Much like Lady Rocket, she has the ability to compete, but will not have the right trip to be effective. She will have to gun it to the lead from the rail draw and will catch no breaks at this testing distance.

11) #3 Chi Town Lady - 20-1: I do not know where her Test (G1) win came from at 17-1 and even that effort in not good enough to put her in the mix against seasoned foes.

12) #9 Sterling Silver - 30-1: This filly has never won a race outside of New York-bred company and is running over her head in this spot.

13) #10 Hot Peppers - 30-1: She has not been able to hold off Chi Town Lady and Wicked Halo in her last two races. Those 3-year-olds are among the least of her problems in here.

2022 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1)