Marsha has backing of 10,500 in 2017 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint

Most eyes in the United States have been on Lady Aurelia as she preps for Saturday’s 2017 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, but Marsha, the filly who just beat Lady Aurelia in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes, is guaranteed plenty of backers overseas.

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Manager Dan Downie told America’s Best Racing that the Elite Racing Club started with steeplechase horses in 1992. More than two decades later, they have a legitimate Breeders’ Cup contender.

“They don’t own the horses, but as we say in our marketing, Elite Racing Club is ‘The Next Best Thing to Owning Your Own Racehorse,’” Downie told ABR. “The Club owns the horses, and our members join the Club to enjoy some of the benefits of racehorse ownership and to enjoy a real sense of involvement with our horses.”

Marsha and Lady Aurelia have met more than once before Saturday. When Lady Aurelia posted a three-length win in the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes over summer, Marsha finished a head behind Profitable in third. Two months later, Marsha nosed out Lady Aurelia in the Nunthorpe Stakes.

“It’s terrific that two super-fast fillies – separated by the Atlantic Ocean – will be coming together once more for a final showdown in Del Mar,” Downie said. “We have huge respect for Lady Aurelia, and as long as both fillies arrive in Del Mar on 4 November in their best form, let the best horse win.”

Downie said Marsha will be the first horse trainer trainer Sir Mark Prescott will send to the Breeders’ Cup during his 47 years of training.

“I think that we are all conscious that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are determined to enjoy the whole experience,” he said. “…The fact that Marsha is a homebred makes it all the more special.”

By Christine Oser