Report: Santa Barbara will miss Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf

Santa Barbara, who stood as the favorite in offshore futures to win the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar in November, has suffered a setback and will not be coming to the United States for the race according to a story from the Racing Post.

Santa Barbara ran twice in the U.S. so far this year, winning both the Belmont Oaks (G1), and the Beverly D. (G1) at Arlington Park.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien said in the story that Mother Earth, winner of the 1,000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket, who had been pointed to the Golden Eagle in Australia, will pick up the races that Santa Barbara will miss. He said she could run in the Sun Chariot at Newmarket, or go to Keeneland for a prep race.

Mother Earth’s other 2021 win came in the Prix Rothschild (G1) at Deauville. In her last race, the Matron (G1) at Leopardstown, she finished third.

The Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf is scheduled for Nov. 6 at Del Mar.