Breeders' Cup Clocker: Street Band signals readiness

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After a slow and easy work a week ago coming out of her victory in the Grade 1 Cotillion at Parx on Sept. 21, it was time for Street Band to get a little more serious Monday morning at Churchill Downs. And the steadily improving filly, who is certainly on top of her game, responded with a strong move in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita on Nov. 2.

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The Larry Jones-trained Street Band was the only Breeders’ Cup contender to work over a fast track on a crisp, windy morning at Churchill Downs. The 3-year-old daughter of Istan, who also won the Fair Ground Oaks and Indiana Oaks earlier this season, came out immediately after the renovation break. Breaking off at the five-furlong pole in a relatively easy manner, she completed her opening split in 12.44 seconds before picking up the pace steadily.

Street Band turned into the stretch after three-eighths in 35.35 then showed good energy while never asked for her best to the wire, covering five furlongs in 59.61, the fastest of 18 works at the distance Monday. She then sustained nice momentum into and around the turn, galloping out six furlongs in 1:13.42 before easing up after seven-eighths in 1:27.25.

Although she’s yet to put victories back-to-back during her career or faced older horses, Street Band does appear to be ready for another solid effort in the Distaff.