Key contenders in the 2017 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint

Unique Bella, by Tapit
Last 3 Beyers: 96-97-99

* This imposing gray filly has been the talk of the backstretches of Santa Anita and Del Mar over the last couple of weeks, and if she can get away cleanly enough from her favorable outside post, she should have every chance to become the first-ever 3-year-old winner in 11 runnings of the Filly and Mare Sprint.

Skye Diamonds, by First Dude
Last 3 Beyers: 97-99-95

* Overachieving Cal-bred 4-year-old who was claimed for $40,000 in Aug. 2016 has a lot in her favor, including competitive Beyers, tactical speed, a terrific record for these connections, local familiarity, and a favorable post.

:: Breeders' Cup PPs, Clocker Reports, and more

Finley’sluckycharm, by Twirling Candy
Last 3 Beyers: 94-97-92

* This Midwest-based standout was forced to miss the Ballerina with a minor setback but held her sharp form in capturing the TCA; solid work pattern both before and after that 10th career triumph for a trainer (Bret Calhoun) with a Filly and Mare Sprint win (Dubai Majesty, 2010).

Paulassilverlining, by Ghostzapper
Last 3 Beyers: 81-97-95

* For the first half of the year, she was the leader of the division by winning three straight graded races, including two Grade 1's; she’ll be looking to rebound off a disappointing Ballerina defeat after being regrouped with a long series of works for Chad Brown.

By the Moon, by Indian Charlie
Last 3 Beyers: 94-95-93

* 5-year-old mare showed she still has it when making no mistakes in winning the Grade 1 Ballerina in a mild upset; tactically sound, she figures squarely in the mix as they straighten away in what will be her career finale.

:: BREEDERS’ CUP 2017: Entries, odds, comments, and more

Finest City, by City Zip
Last 3 Beyers: 90-91-95

* Winner of the 2016 Filly and Mare Sprint at 8-1, this 5-year-old mare enters off a four-month layoff for 29-year-old Ian Kruljac, who has a rational explanation for wanting to simply train her into this title defense.