Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf 2018: Projected field, odds
The Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf looks to be a competitive and exciting bunch, with U.S.-based Sistercharlie and European shipper Wild Illusion leading the way. The race will be an international feature on Saturday, Nov. 3, and will be run at 1 3/8 miles over Churchill Downs’ turf.
Below is a look at the projected field with odds, which will not balance given the entries aren’t final, but rather reflect the type of price we expect to see once the morning line is set.
A Raving Beauty, 12-1 (Mastercraftsman – Chad Brown – 22:6-3-3 – $1,018,555): Cutting back to a mile, A Raving Beauty returned to the winner’s circle in the First Lady (G1). She also won the Just a Game (G1) at a mile earlier this year. She has a spot in the Filly & Mare Turf, but the German-bred mare will have to stretch out for a top finish.
Coronet, 6-1 (Dubawi – John Gosden – 13:4-3-3 – $950,411): Coronet has taken on Europe’s best and has been Group 1-placed in her last three starts. She was most recently second in the Yorkshire Oaks (G1) to Sea of Class, who nearly caught Enable in the Prix de l’Arc (G1). A trip to the U.S. could, in a way, be class relief.
Eziyra, 15-1 (Teofilo – Dermot Weld – 11:6-3-2 – $478,899): The third-place finisher in the Yorkshire Oaks scored in a Group 2 next out. Eziyra also has multiple Group 3 wins but less experience at the Group 1 level.
Fourstar Crook, 8-1 (Freud – Chad Brown – 19:12-4-1 – $1,604,566): Fourstar Crook had been knocking on the door of a Grade 1 and earned it in the Flower Bowl (G1). This New York-bred filly is as consistent as they come and would be the division leader if not for stablemate Sistercharlie.
Kitesurf, 12-1 (Dubawi – Andre Fabre – 13:5-1-2 – $670,418): Kitesurf notched a top-level win last out in the Prix Vermeille (G1) and won her first Group 2 before that. She is progressing at the right time of year but would face a quick turn around after the Oct. 20 British Champions Fillies’ & Mares’ Stakes (G1) at Ascot.
Magic Wand, 10-1 (Galileo – Aidan O’Brien – 9:2-2-1 – $557,101): Magic Wand is another filly improving at the right time. She’s been second in two straight Group 1 races now, the Prix Vermeille and the Prix de l’Opera, and made Wild Illusion fight for the Opera win.
Santa Monica, 20-1 (Mastercraftsman – Chad Brown – 27:4-3-3 – $336,304): Santa Monica has been consistent since moving to North America, finishing on the board in all five starts and winning the Dance Smartly (G2). Her third in the E. P. Taylor (G1) behind two Europeans might not have been enough to send her to the Breeders’ Cup.
Sistercharlie, 3-1 (Myboycharlie – Chad Brown – 10:6-3-0 – $1,475,603): Leader of the U.S. contingent, Sistercharlie won the Jenny Wiley (G1), Diana (G1) and Beverly D. (G1) this season. Her resume speaks for itself, and she looks tough for the Breeders’ Cup.
Smart Choice, 30-1 (Grand Reward – Todd Pletcher – 14:6-4-2 – $82,588): Smart Choice earned a spot in the starting gate by way of Peru. She won the Clasico Pamplona (G1) at the end of June and is now in the care of Todd Pletcher at Belmont Park. This is a big task with over four months off.
Vasilika, 15-1 (Skipshot – Jerry Hollendorfer – 26:12-4-3 – $620,595): Vasilika, a former claimer, earned her spot by winning the Rodeo Drive (G1). A threat of soft turf could keep her at her California base. She also needs to be nominated.
Wild Illusion, 9-2 (Dubawi – Charlie Appleby – 8:4-2-1 – $1,236,573): The biggest European threat was recently seen winning the Prix de l’Opera (G1). This was after collecting another big score in the Nassau Stakes (G1). She’s been climbing the ranks in Europe and now gets her shot across the pond.
Also Possible: Indian Blessing, Laurens, Mom’s On Strike, Paved, Princess Yaiza