Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf: Key contenders
KEY CONTENDERS
Hydrangea, by Galileo
◗ Hydrangea has yet to win a stakes, but was second in three Group 1 or Group 2 races from late August to early October. Hydrangea was beaten 2 1/4 lengths by Rhododendron in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket Racecourse on Oct. 7. Rhododendron is the future-book favorite for the 2017 English 1000 Guineas.
New Money Honey, by Medaglia d’Oro
(Beyers: 83-77)
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◗ New Money Honey closed from fourth in a field of seven to win the Miss Grillo, showing poise for a second-time starter. Brown envisions a similar trip Friday.
“I’m fine with where she puts herself,” Brown said.
Spain Burg, by Sageburg
◗ Spain Burg began her career in France, where she won three of her first four starts. The seven-furlong Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket was her first start outside of France. She won impressively over a course with an uphill finish, suggesting the mile distance Friday is well within her reach.
Victory to Victory, by Exchange Rate
(Last 3 Beyers: 83-79-57)
◗ In the Natalma at Woodbine, Victory to Victory closed from sixth in a field of 13 to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Jockey Florent Geroux rode her in that race but has sided with La Coronel on Friday. Julien Leparoux will ride Victory to Victory for the first time Friday.
Intricately, by Fastnet Rock
◗ Intricately beat maidens at 33-1 at Gowran Park in Ireland in June and was 25-1 when she won the Moyglare Stud Stakes. Donnacha O’Brien – trainer Joseph O’Brien’s brother – has ridden Intricately in her last three starts and has the mount Friday.
◗ Intricately has raced near the front in her four starts and could be well positioned in this crowded field.
La Coronel, by Colonel John
(Last 3 Beyers: 87-85-51)
◗ La Coronel is unbeaten in two starts on turf. In the Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland, she rallied in the final furlong to win by a commanding 4 1/4 lengths. A repeat of that effort should be good enough to play a significant role in this race, although she must overcome a wide draw.
