Breeders' Cup Filly-Mare Sprint: Curalina's first preference is Distaff

ARCADIA, Calif. – Probably the most important prerace variable toward the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint concerns the status of Curalina, who most likely would be favored in the Nov. 5 race if her connections take a pass on the Nov. 4 BC Distaff.

However, the Distaff has been listed as first preference for Curalina by owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and a terrific Sunday breeze at Belmont Park might be enough to convince trainer Todd Pletcher to give Songbird and the rest a try in the 1 1/8-mile Distaff. All of which could mean the seven-furlong Filly and Mare Sprint will shape up as one of the deepest and competitive races of the entire 2016 Breeders’ Cup.

Counting Curalina, there are 17 pre-entries for the Filly and Mare Sprint, with all others having this race as their first preference. Carina Mia is the only other cross-entry, with the Distaff as a second preference. Under BC rules, both Curalina and Carina Mia could be entered for both races, but that’s only if the Filly and Mare Sprint does not fill beyond its 14-horse limit.

Assuming Curalina opts for the Distaff, the two-horse alternates list will consist of Gomo and Wonder Gal, with Enchanting Lady making the field. Monday is entry day.

As for favoritism, well, take your best shot. Haveyougoneaway, Tara’s Tango, and Carina Mia will be among that primary core, while another handful will take their share of support, including Gloryzapper, Wavell Avenue, and the uncoupled Michelle Nevin duo of By the Moon and Paulassilverlining.

One would-be fringe contender is Paid Up Subscriber, who is scheduled to breeze Friday at Churchill Downs for trainer Al Stall Jr.

“We’re booked on the last flight out of here Monday, but we’ve got to see how everything goes first,” said Stall.

:: BREEDERS’ CUP 2016: Pre-entries, odds, comments, and more

Paid Up Subscriber is one of a number of potential starters in the Filly and Mare Sprint cutting back in distance. Others on that list are Curalina, Tara’s Tango, Paola Queen, and Finest City.

The Filly and Mare Sprint lost a key element of speed when Stonetastic was declared out last week. Gloryzapper, the winner of the Oct. 9 L.A. Woman, is a plausible candidate to inherit a front-runner’s role, although obviously there are others with plenty of gas.

As for longshots, Spelling Again made the lineup with an automatic Win and You’re In berth from the Princess Rooney in July.

“We know we’re going to be a big price, but we’re coming anyway,” said trainer Brad Cox.

With numerous notable breezes having taken place here at Santa Anita and elsewhere in recent days, the final round of prerace works will soon be under way.