Filly-Mare Turf: Magical Fantasy primed

ARCADIA, Calif. - Magical Fantasy has won her last four starts, all graded stakes on turf in Southern California. None of the other contenders in Friday's $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Turf at Santa Anita can boast of such consistency.

Still, with fillies such as the European invader Midday and defending champion Forever Together in the field, Magical Fantasy could be slightly overlooked in the Filly and Mare Turf, which is run over 1 1/4 miles. Over the weekend, British bookmakers were listing Magical Fantasy as a 10-3 chance, the third choice behind Dar Re Mi - who is more likely for BC Turf on Saturday - and Forever Together.

"She'll bring her 'A' game and that's all I can ask for," co-owner Chuck Winner said. "Everyone seems to think she's California's best."

Magical Fantasy had her final major tune-up on Saturday, working five furlongs in 1:00.80 on turf under jockey Alex Solis. She has had two turf workouts since her win in the Grade 1 Yellow Ribbon on Oct. 10.

A 4-year-old filly by Diesis, Magical Fantasy's win streak includes two course and distance wins - the Grade 2 Santa Barbara Handicap in April and the Yellow Ribbon Stakes. From those fields, only Yellow Ribbon runner-up Visit is a candidate for the Filly and Mare Turf.

The streak also includes two Grade 1 races over 1 1/8 miles on turf - the Gamely Stakes at Hollywood Park and the John Mabee Stakes at Del Mar.

The Filly and Mare Turf may be her last start for trainer Paddy Gallagher and owners Winner, David Bienstock and Paul Mandabach. Magical Fantasy is scheduled to be sold at the Fasig-Tipton November sale on Nov. 10.