Mullins will train undefeated Vanta up to Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
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The 2-year-old filly Vanta left Del Mar with an undefeated record and as a stakes winner.
Vanta’s next start is likely to be the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Keeneland on Oct. 30, trainer Jeff Mullins said earlier this week.
“I’ve got a good schedule for her for the Breeders’ Cup,” Mullins said. “My preference is to train straight into the Breeders’ Cup.”
Mullins has not completely ruled out starting Vanta in the Grade 3 Surfer Girl Stakes at a mile on turf at Santa Anita on Oct. 4, but said an appearance in that race “throws a chink in the armor.”
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Vanta was outstanding in two starts at Del Mar, winning a maiden race at five furlongs on turf by 1 1/4 lengths on July 31, and the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf at a mile by 2 1/2 lengths as the even-money favorite on Sept. 6. Umberto Rispoli was aboard for both wins.
Mullins said a gap of slightly less than eight weeks between the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf and the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf is not a concern.
“She’s so intelligent and so athletic,” Mullins said. “I don’t think it will be that big of a deal for her. She’ll do what you want to do.
“It’d be nice to have another good race under her belt. I don’t think she needs it.”
Mullins said he was encouraged by Vanta’s win in the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf when she started slowly and closed from eighth of nine to take a commanding lead in the final furlong.
“She hopped at the start and that eliminates 90 percent of them,” Mullins said, describing Vanta’s trip. “She takes herself to the back of the pack and settles and runs past them.”
Vanta, by Greatest Honour, has earned $108,000 for Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures. Vanta was purchased for $370,000 at the Ocala Breeders' Sale of 2-year-olds in-training in March in Florida.
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