Indyanne in tough spot for F-M Sprint

The top-class Northern California-based speedball Indyanne shipped Tuesday from Golden Gate to Santa Anita, where she was due to arrive at noon.

After drawing a sorry post for the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on Friday, Indyanne might want to stay on the van. Her chances in the seven-furlong Filly and Mare Sprint were severely compromised when she drew post 2 in the 14-horse field.

Indyanne is one of three dedicated front-runners, and she will be under constant pressure while racing beyond six furlongs for the first time in her seven-start, six-win career. Dream Rush drew post 7; Dearest Trickski got the best post (9) of the three speeds.

Greg Gilchrist, trainer of Indyanne, was philosophical early Tuesday discussing the pace and distance challenges.

"I look at the whole thing as a challenge," he said. "You can ask yourself a lot of questions, and you might get the answers you want. We're not going to change anything; you go home with the girl you came with."

If the race unfolds as expected, the Bob Baffert-trained favorite Indian Blessing should tuck into a good trip racing just off the speed. She drew post 5.

"With her speed, she's going to be right there with them," Baffert said.

Ventura, expected to start as the second favorite, drew post 12. It is a good draw for a good filly whose closing style suits the expected pace scenario.