Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint analysis
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLEMike Watchmaker
The complexion of this race changed last week with the withdrawal of the speedy Midnight Lucky. Barring a bad start, STONETASTIC is now loose on the lead. Stonetastic was the beaten favorite in the TCA Stakes most recently after dueling early with an exceptionally quick opponent. But as the controlling speed two back in the Prioress, she romped (albeit with the grain of the track) and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 108 that is best in this field. JUDY THE BEAUTY is fresh, was an excellent second to Groupie Doll in this race last year, and is adaptable to varying pace scenarios; obvious. LEIGH COURT ran her best race yet in winning the TCA in her return to dirt but with a favorable pace setup she might not get here. ARTEMIS AGROTERA should be closer early than she was when she won the Gallant Bloom last time, which should help her.
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Byron King
LEIGH COURT overwhelmed the competition in the TCA Stakes at Keeneland in her first start on dirt. Now she stretches out to seven furlongs, a distance at which she went 3 for 3 on Polytrack at Woodbine. JUDY THE BEAUTY is 3 for 4 in 2014, with her only loss coming when she was wheeled back on three weeks’ rest in the Grade 1 Humana Distaff. Still, her top Beyer this year is merely a 96.
: Multiple contenders difficult to separate
STONETASTIC was a dominant winner of the Prioress at Saratoga before coming back with a tired third in the TCA when chasing the pace; was heavily favored there but will be a longshot here off that one-race flop. ARTEMIS AGROTERA seemed half asleep early in the Gallant Bloom but woke up in time to rally and catch the front-running La Verdad. Her runaway Ballerina score was a better effort.
Brad Free
:: BREEDERS’ CUP 2014: Post positions, comments, and odds
JUDY THE BEAUTY has emerged this year as the country's top female sprinter. Runner-up to Groupie Doll in the Filly & Mare Sprint last year, 'JUDY this year won 3 of 4 graded stakes including Santa Anita. Pointed to this since August, she fires fresh and has tactical speed for a good trip. She looks fairly solid. STONETASTIC is fast, and has trained super since arriving in California. Her 108 Beyer two back at Saratoga is the second-highest of the year by a filly sprinter. Come catch her. SWEET REASON needs pace to flatter her closing kick, and she'll probably get it. The inside post is no bargain, but she will rally from behind anyway, so early position is less important. If they go too fast up front, Sweet Reason has a shot from behind. ARTEMIS AGROTERA is among the top filly sprinters in New York. She has three straight wins, and earned fast numbers against good company.