Report: Thais a vet scratch from Breeders' Cup; Brown disagrees
The complexion of the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf was altered on Thursday with the scratch of Thais, who was set to serve as a pacesetter for likely race favorite Sistercharlie.
According to Daily Racing Form reporter David Grening, Thais was scratched Thursday at the recommendation of Dr. Rick Arthur, equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board.
Trainer Chad Brown was not in agreement with the decision to scratch the White Birch Farm color-bearer.
"She was taken out of the race by the chief veterinarian here," Brown told Grening. "I disagree with it, this filly's been extremely sound in all of her works, races and daily training. Unfortunately, it's not our call so we're just going to move into the race and hopefully Sistercharlie can still work out a good trip."
Thais had most recently worked five furlongs this past Saturday in 1:00.80 in company with Sistercharlie at Belmont Park.
During a press conference Wednesday on equine safety and security at Santa Anita, Breeders' Cup officials noted the increased veterinary presence at this year's event. It was said every horse competing in this year's Breeders' Cup will have been examined three times in their stalls before post time.
In last year's Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Thais was also entered to serve as a rabbit or sorts for Sistercharlie. Thais broke poorly on championship Saturday and was never able to make the lead. It didn't matter. Sistercharlie still managed to rally for a neck victory to clinch the Eclipse Award as champion female turf horse.
Thais has served as a pacesetter in all three of Sistercharlie's starts this year which resulted in wins in the Diana (G1), Beverly D. (G1) and Flower Bowl (G1).
The scratch of Thais appears to change the projected pace scenario of the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. The only confirmed front-runner in the now 11-horse field is Mirth, who most recently won on the front-end going 1 1/4 miles at Santa Anita in the Rodeo Drive (G1). Hall of Famer Mike Smith was aboard and will ride back on Saturday.