Motion sending Mean Mary to front of Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf

Trainer Graham Motion, who will have three horses compete in this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland, gave an update on his barn Wednesday during the Breeders’ Cup daily media session.

The most notable Motion entry is Mean Mary, the 7-2 second-choice in the Filly & Mare Turf on Saturday. The 4-year-old daughter of Scat Daddy out of Karlovy Vary, by Dynaformer, will be running at the front of the pack if Motion has his way.

“It’s always a bit tricky to figure out the Europeans in these races,” Motion said. “What kind of a trip they’re going to work out. She’s always been forwardly placed, so it’s no secret she’s going to be forwardly placed.”

The year of horse racing has had more than its share of oddities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including mixed-up scheduling for many races. However, Motion said the strange year has worked out well for his horses.

“I wouldn’t have changed anything in their preparation,” Motion said. “With Mean Mary, it was always certain for me that she was running over the winter last year, and she hasn’t had a proper break, but I think we’ve really been able to space her races out. I think she’s improved as the year goes on and I wouldn’t have done anything different with this filly.”

Mean Mary will be ridden by Luis Saez in the Filly & Mare Turf.

In addition to Mean Mary in the Filly & Mare Turf, Motion will have two fillies in the Juvenile Fillies Turf on Friday.

Alda, a daughter of Munnings out of Soldata, by Maria’s Son, is coming into the race off a second place finish in the Natalma (G1) at Woodbine. Motion said the trip in that race was not her best.

“She ran huge in the prep race,” Motion said. “I think she might have regressed a little bit four weeks later in the Natalma, but she’s had plenty of time to get over that and she’s done very well since. She’s very straightforward, very kind, easy filly to be around.”

Alda will be ridden by John Velazquez in the race.

In addition to Alda, Motion entered Invincible Gal in the race. The filly will be looking for her first stakes victory after finishing second in her last race, the Selima at Pimlico on Oct. 3.

Motion said Alda has settled in at Keeneland.

“Invincible Gal came back up the main track and went a mile and a half,” Motion said of her Wednesday gallop. “Very, very routine. Kind of, when we get here, we try to keep it simple.”

Invincible Gal will be ridden by Jose Ortiz in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.

The Breeders’ Cup is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Keeneland.