Dettori to ride Argentine hopeful Blue Stripe in Breeders' Cup Distaff
Frankie Dettori, whose 14 Breeders’ Cup victories rank fourth among jockeys all-time, will ride longshot Blue Stripe when she makes her U.S. debut in the Distaff on Nov. 6.
Blue Stripe, 4-year-old sibling to 2019 Distaff winner Blue Prize, has won four of six in Argentina for trainer Nicolas Martin Ferro. Blue Stripe’s wins include her most recent start May 1 in the Group 1 Gran Premio Criadores, a Breeders' Cup Win and You’re In.
Blue Stripe has been stabled with trainer Marcelo Polanco in California since spring; the Distaff will be her first start in more than six months. Polanco confirmed the riding assignment on Tuesday.
Dettori is seeking his first Distaff win with Blue Stripe, listed 30-1 on the Daily Racing Form early line. Dettori has ridden in three previous Distaffs – fourth on Crimplene in 2000 and Stellar Jayne in 2005, and fifth on Mopotism in 2017.
A field of 10 or 11 is expected to be pre-entered for the Distaff, topped by division leader Letruska. The expected field, with riders: Letruska, Irad Ortiz; Shedaresthedevil, Florent Geroux; Malathaat, John Velazquez; Royal Flag, Joel Rosario; Clairiere, Ricardo Santana; Horologist, Junior Alvarado; Blue Stripe, Dettori; Private Mission, Flavien Prat; Dunbar Road, Jose Ortiz; and Marche Lorraine, a Japan-based mare whose rider is unconfirmed.
As Times Go By is a possible entrant. Her status will be determined prior to the pre-entry deadline next week. Bonny South, a Grade 2 winner and Grade 1-placed, will skip the Distaff and aim to the Falls City Handicap at Churchill Downs.