Destino d’Oro to skip Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

Destino d’Oro, a game third by a head in the Grade 2 Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland earlier this month, will not be sent to California for Friday’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar.

“We decided not to enter,” trainer Brad Cox said on Sunday morning.

“She didn’t have the greatest week of training. We’ll give her the time she needs and look forward to 2025 with her.”

Owned by Steve Landers, Destino d’Oro won her debut in a maiden race at a mile on turf by 2 1/4 lengths at Kentucky Downs on Aug. 31, and had a troubled trip when narrowly beaten in the Jessamine at 1 1/16 miles on turf on Oct. 4.

In the Jessamine, Destino d’Oro closed from 10th of 11 to nearly win despite a troubled start and a wide trip around the turn.

The defection of Destino d’Oro allows Nitrogen to gain a berth in the 14-runner field for the Juvenile Fillies Turf. Nitrogen was third by three-quarters of a length in the Grade 1 Natalma Stakes at a mile on turf at Woodbine on Sept. 14 in her second, and most recent, start.

Nitrogen is one of three expected starters in the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf for trainer Mark Casse, along with Abientot and Vixen.

Abientot won the Grade 3 Matron Stakes at six furlongs on turf at Aqueduct on Oct. 6 in her fifth start. Vixen was second by a neck in the Natalma.

* Also removed from Breeders' Cup consideration were Gina Romantica (Mile) and Dr. Ruben M. (Juvenile), according to the Breeders' Cup.

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