Cox: No final Breeders’ Cup decision for Shedaresthedevil

Despite reports that Shedaresthedevil will sit out the Breeders’ Cup, trainer Brad Cox said Tuesday: “That decision has not been made 100 percent.”

The Daredevil filly, owned by Flurry Racing Stables, Qatar Racing Ltd. and Big Aut Farms, won the Kentucky Oaks on Sept. 4 and finished third in the Grade 1 Spinster at Keeneland on Sunday. She had been expected to run in the Breeders' Cup Distaff.

“We still need to talk to all the owners and kind of come up with a plan, but she came out of the race in good shape,” Cox said. “We’ll come up with a firm decision in the next couple of days.”

It has been a big year for Shedaresthedevil, with four wins in seven starts and earnings of $1,185,320 for the year.

Cox also offered updates on other horses in his barn who you might expect to see at Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup on Nov. 6 and 7.

Factor This: The 5-year-old son of The Factor won the Dinner Party (G2) at Pimlico on Saturday.

“He’s another one — going to talk to the owners later in the week, and we’ll have an idea of what we’re going to do moving forward.”

He said the Breeders’ Cup Mile on turf is a possibility for Factor This, who is owned by Gaining Ground Racing LLC.

Bonny South: The 3-year-old Juddmonte Farms homebred hasn’t won since March, but she was runner up in her last two races: the Alabama (G1) on Aug. 15 and the Black-Eyed Susan on Saturday.

“She’s another one that she’s made it back to Churchill in good shape. We’ll talk to Judmonte later this week and make a decision on if they would like to pursue the Distaff or not.”

Essential Quality: The 2-year-old Goldolphin homebred sired by Tapit broke his maiden on his first try Sept. 5 then scored in the Breeders’ Futurity on Saturday. He’s headed toward the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. “As long as he’s doing well, that’s where he’ll land.”

Monomoy Girl: The champion 3-year-old filly and winner of the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Distaff is back for another try after winning the La Troienne (G1) last out on Sept. 4. “She’s doing fantastic,” Cox said.

Arklow: The 6-year-old son of Arch won the Kentucky Turf Cup (G3) last out on Sept. 12 and is headed to the Breeders’ Cup Turf, Cox said.

Cox also provided updates on a couple of his horses who won’t make an appearance at the Breeders’ Cup.

Owendale, the 4-year-old Into Mischief colt, hasn’t won in three starts since May. But he was second in his last two outs, including the Pimlico Special (G3) on Friday.

“He came out of his race fine,” Cox said. “Don’t really know where we’re going with him. As or right now, the Breeders’ Cup is off the table.”

And Warrior’s Charge, who won the Iselin (G3) on Aug. 22 then came back to finish eighth in the Ack Ack (G3) on Sept. 26, is taking a break. “He’s in Ocala,” Cox said. “He’s going to freshened up and prepare for Oaklawn.”