Super Screener: Euro runner can upset Rushing Fall in QE II
Keeneland's Grade 1, $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup hasn’t had much impact on Breeders’ Cup outcomes, and even with Chad Brown-trained 3-year-old Rushing Fall in Saturday's running, the Filly & Mare Turf is coming up salty featuring really strong Euro invaders. It's another from across the pond that could upset Rushing Fall, too, according to Horse Racing Nation's Super Screener handicapping system.
As for the QE II...
Rushing Fall (7-5) is a neck away from being undefeated in six lifetime starts. Her advantage is that she is just so versatile. She lays out energy in a balanced way so she can win pressing or coming from off the pace, and do so on any type of ground. Softer, lusher turf courses are preferred, and she's unbeaten in two Keeneland starts. There isn’t much pace in here, so she’ll press and then motor on for the wire.
Rushing Fall is one of two "A" horses in the QE II, per the Screener. The other is Mark Johnston-trained Nyaleti (5-1).
As of late, European connections have passed on the QE II, but this filly ran a deceptively good race in the Beverly D. (G1) against top older horses, finishing just over two lengths behind the mighty Sistercharlie. She tracked a miserably slow pace that day and then held her ground to the wire. She followed that up with an even better race against the boys, hitting the wire just behind the highly regarded Beat The Bank and Stormy Antarctic in Goodwood's Celebration Mile (G2).
The presser gets a pace advantage here, added ground will pose no problem, and Nyaleti would prefer some give in the turf, expected after some rain this week in Kentucky. Top win contender.
That analysis continues for the full QE II field in the full edition of the Super Screener, which also includes screening criteria to establish these picks, suggested longshots and wagering strategies. Get the handicapping advantage today!