Two years ago, Loves Only You shipped from Japan to Southern California to capture the Filly and Mare Turf at Del Mar. The victory wasn’t much of a surprise. She was sent away at 4-1 after finishing third in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic, winning the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup in Hong Kong, and running a close second in the Group 2 Sapporo Kinen in her final prep. Japan’s potential starter for this year’s 1 1/4-mile Filly and Mare Turf, Win Marilyn, seems a cut below Loves Only You, but considering Japan’s recent dominance in international racing in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and, yes, in America, she can’t be taken too lightly. Win Marilyn broke through at the Group 1 level in her final start last year when beating males in the Hong Kong Vase at 1 1/2 miles. Her form hasn’t been up to snuff in 2023, however, as she has finished off the board in all three races, including her most recent effort, a ninth-place run in the Group 2 All Comers on Sept. 24. Win Marilyn breezed in company with 2000 Guineas winner Sol Oriens in Japan last week as her connections wait to hear if she will be make the body of the field. Of the international raiders, Warm Heart might be the one to beat for Aidan O’Brien, although all three of her group victories this year came at 1 1/2 miles. She swept through the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks in England and the Group 1 Prix Vermeille in France leading up to her California excursion. :: BREEDERS’ CUP 2023: See DRF’s special section with top contenders, odds, comments, news, and more for each division Mqse de Sevigne looks like a strong contender for legendary French conditioner Andre Fabre. A versatile daughter of Siyouni, Mqse de Sevigne gamely won the Group 1 Prix Rothschild at a mile and the Group 1 Prix de Jean Romanet at 10 furlongs over the summer, both contested on soft going. She placed second behind Inspiral over firmer ground in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at a mile on Oct. 7. Inspiral is entered in Saturday’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot, but the ground will determine her participation. She is possible for either the Filly and Mare Turf or the Mile. The one-mile Queen Elizabeth II also features potential Breeders’ Cup starter Tahiyra. Also on Champions Day is the Group 1 Fillies and Mares Stakes at 1 1/2 miles. Jackie Oh might consider a jaunt in the Breeders’ Cup after that race. Last week’s Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland could have yielded a couple of 3-year-old Breeders’ Cup starters. British 1000 Guineas winner Mawj returned from the layoff with a nice victory and will likely be pre-entered in both the Filly and Mare Turf and the Mile. Runner-up Lindy would likely contest the Filly and Mare Turf if her connections decide to run at Santa Anita, with the Del Mar Oaks another option. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.