Covfefe heads to Breeders' Cup off big win

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Santa Anita is the next stop for Covfefe, who emerged from her sublime victory in the Dogwood Stakes here Saturday in good shape, trainer Brad Cox said.

Covfefe matched her career-high Beyer Speed Figure when earning a 107 with an eight-length triumph. She finished seven furlongs in 1:20.51, coming within .07 of a second of equaling the track record set in 2012 by two-time female sprint champion Groupie Doll. The 3-year-old Into Mischief filly also got a 107 in shattering the Pimlico record for six furlongs in the Miss Preakness in May.

“We figured the Dogwood was the best spot to get her ready with it being in our backyard and all,” Cox said. “I think she’s ready for the Breeders’ Cup.”

Eskenforit may go to Claiming Crown

Eskenforit, who set a track record for the infrequently run distance of 1 3/16 miles here Friday in winning a first-level allowance by 3 1/2 lengths in 1:56.49, is a prime candidate for the $200,000 Claiming Crown Jewel on Dec. 7 at Gulfstream Park.

Trainer Steve Margolis said Eskenforit, nicknamed “Kenny” by his ownership group, Brilliant Racing, could race once more prior to the 1 1/8-mile Jewel. The 3-year-old gelding is eligible for the Jewel after racing for a $20,000 claiming tag in May.

“We’ll have to see about the timing of everything, but yeah, it looks like a mile and an eighth and farther will be his thing,” Margolis said.