Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf: Long rest will test Dank's fitness level

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – If Dank were an American-based horse, some would view her as vulnerable in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf on Nov. 2.

Not having raced since winning the Aug. 17 Beverly D. Stakes at Arlington Park seemingly would put her at a fitness disadvantage. Eleven weeks between races is not customary Breeders’ Cup preparation, as evidenced by other leading Filly and Mare Turf prospects – Tiz Flirtatious, Marketing Mix, and Laughing – all having their final preps five weeks before the Breeders’ Cup.

But Dank is not based in the United States. She’s British-based and trained by one of Europe’s most successful trainers, Michael Stoute, a five-time Breeders’ Cup winner.

Speaking on this week’s “In the Gate” ESPN horse-racing podcast with host Barry Abrams, Stoute seemed unconcerned about the time off since her 4 1/2-length victory in the Beverly D.

“The only suitable race for her would have been in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp on Arc Day,” Stoute said of the Oct. 6 race in France. “And the ground was unsuitable for her.”

The turf was rated soft at Longchamp that day following a rainy week. Dank is a filly who wants firm turf, and she got it when she won the Beverly D. and recorded a 107 Beyer Speed Figure. The turf typically is firm when the Breeders’ Cup is run at Santa Anita, the host track this year.

“Obviously, the weather has changed here now, but she’s healthy and well,” Stoute told Abrams from his base in Newmarket, England. “She’s moving well. We’re very satisfied with her.”

Dank is expected to be the favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, provided The Fugue goes in the Breeders’ Cup Turf rather than the Filly and Mare Turf. The Fugue’s trainer, John Gosden, has stated a preference for the former race, believing The Fugue is less likely to get a troubled trip in the 1 1/2-mile Turf than in the 1 1/4-mile Filly and Mare Turf.

Last year, The Fugue was an unlucky third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf. She is likely to be pre-entered in both races Monday.

Even without The Fugue, the Filly and Mare Turf will not be lacking competition for Dank. Tiz Flirtatious, Marketing Mix, and Laughing have been the three most dominant older turf mares in North America this year, and Kitten’s Dumplings joined the prospective lineup after winning the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Keeneland last Saturday.

Laughing is not Breeders’ Cup-nominated, but trainer Alan Goldberg said this week that she would be supplemented, provided she continues to train well leading up to Monday’s pre-entry deadline.

One notable North American runner who will be absent from the Filly and Mare Turf is Mystical Star. She has been sent to the farm for 60 days of rest and could be retired, with that decision ultimately coming from owner Everett Dobson of Cheyenne Stables, trainer Christophe Clement said. She finished third behind Laughing in the Grade 1 Flower Bowl on Sept. 28 at Belmont Park.

– additional reporting by David Grening