Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf: War Like Goddess gets the added distance she requires
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In 2022, the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf was contested at 1 3/16 miles. Last year’s edition covered 1 1/4 miles.
That’s too short for War Like Goddess, who opted instead to face males at 1 1/2 miles in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Third in the 2022 Turf at Keeneland, the English Channel mare placed seventh last year at Santa Anita.
With the Filly and Mare Turf restored to 1 3/8 miles at Del Mar, War Like Goddess gets the distance she needs. Third as the favorite in the 2021 Filly and Mare Turf over the same course and distance, War Like Goddess again looks like the top North American-based hopeful.
A 10-time graded stakes winner with lifetime earnings reaching $3 million, War Like Goddess was denied a three-peat against males in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, finishing a half-length shy to Far Bridge on Sept. 28.
Moira, third in last year’s Filly and Mare Turf, will be tested at 1 3/8 miles. The winner of the Beverly D. at 1 3/16 miles two starts back, Moira finished second to stablemate Full Count Felicia in Woodbine’s E.P. Taylor on Sept. 14.
Speedy Full Count Felicia is under consideration for the Filly and Mare Turf as well as the Mile. A decision is likely after the mare’s scheduled breeze on Thursday at Woodbine.
Anisette and Didia must be respected. Anisette had a three-race win streak snapped when a close third in the Grade 2 John C. Mabee on Sept. 7 at Del Mar. Didia didn’t fire when fourth in the Mabee, but the Grade 1 winner has captured 11 of 19 starts.
Friday’s Grade 3, $200,000 Waya at 1 3/8 miles at Aqueduct might produce a Breeders’ Cup starter. McKulick, Surprisingly, and Idea Generation are the three favorites on the morning line.
Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Rodeo Drive at 1 1/4 miles at Santa Anita is a Win and You’re In for the Filly and Mare Turf. Hang the Moon, who upset Anisette and Didia in the John C. Mabee, is expected for trainer Phil D’Amato.
Sunday’s races at Longchamp might provide a better sense of the European contingent for the Filly and Mare Turf. Bluestocking, winner of Ireland’s Group 1 Pretty Polly on June 29 and France’s Group 1 Prix Vermeille on Sept. 15, is listed as a 10-1 chance against males in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Double that price is Mqse de Sevigne, who starts after three consecutive Group 1 victories in France at distances ranging from a mile to 10 furlongs. Aventure (16-1) took the Group 2 Prix de Pomone on Aug. 17 at Deauville before finishing second in the Vermeille.
Content, who scored the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks on Aug. 22, might prep for the Breeders’ Cup against a full field of fillies and mares in the Group 1 Prix de l‘Opera at 1 1/4 miles. Fallen Angel and Ylang Ylang also are taking play in the overseas markets.
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