Breeders' Cup: Switch preps for Filly and Mare Sprint in Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes

While most of the hopefuls for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint already have had their final preps, there’s still one more race that should have an impact on the composition of the lineup for the seven-furlong Filly and Mare Sprint: the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes, a Win and You’re In event on the blockbuster Saturday card at Keeneland.

Switch, runner-up in the Filly and Mare Sprint last year for trainer John Sadler, took a pass on the Lady’s Secret last weekend at Santa Anita to fill the favorite’s role in the Grade 3 TCA Stakes, a six-furlong Polytrack race. Dubai Majesty won the TCA last fall en route to ending her career by winning the Filly and Mare Sprint.

At least one other likely Filly and Mare Sprint starter, Musical Romance, will be in the TCA field. Trained by Bill Kaplan, the consistent Florida-based runner recently shipped into Churchill Downs to train toward the TCA, then the Breeders’ Cup.

Meanwhile, the likely Filly and Mare Sprint favorite, Turbulent Descent, continues to flourish in Southern California while maintaining a demanding workout schedule. Trainer Mike Puype said the 3-year-old filly was to work again Thursday at Hollywood Park, continuing her pattern of working every six days up to the race.

“Everything’s right on schedule,” Puype said.

Several potential turn-back prospects were ruled out of the Filly and Mare Sprint in the aftermath of races last weekend, including Plum Pretty, It’s Tricky, and Ultra Blend. Confirmed for the Filly and Mare Sprint following their races on opening weekend at Santa Anita were Tanda and Champagne d’Oro.