Paradise Woods slots in behind Midnight Bisou in Breeders' Cup Distaff

ARCADIA, Calif. – Midnight Bisou tops the 10 candidates for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Nov. 2 at Santa Anita, and the absence of a clear second choice has solidified her role as favorite. Midnight Bisou is 8-5 on the Daily Racing Form early line.

Elate would have been the second favorite, but her connections are leaning to the BC Classic. Her absence leaves Paradise Woods second choice on the DRF line at 4-1.

Midnight Bisou worked five furlongs in company Monday at Santa Anita, and after walking Tuesday, she returned to the track Wednesday for a one-mile gallop.

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Two Distaff candidates with early speed will not run. Guarana will target the Filly and Mare Sprint; She’s a Julie will skip the Breeders’ Cup.

Their withdrawal softens the pace and benefits Paradise Woods, winner of the Grade 1 Zenyatta Stakes under Abel Cedillo. The two-three Zenyatta finishers, Secret Spice and Ollie’s Candy, will have new riders in the Distaff. Secret Spice switches to John Velazquez, Ollie’s Candy to Joel Rosario.

Joe Bravo rode Blue Prize to victory in the Grade 1 Spinster and will ride her in the Distaff, according to trainer Ignacio Correas.

The likely Distaff pacesetter is Serengeti Empress. Although she may cross-enter the Filly and Mare Sprint, trainer Tom Amoss said Wednesday via text: “strong lean to the Distaff.”

The probable Distaff field and jockeys, listed in order of DRF odds: Midnight Bisou, Mike Smith, 8-5; Paradise Woods, Cedillo, 4-1; Blue Prize, Bravo, 6-1; Secret Spice, Velazquez, 8-1; Serengeti Empress, unconfirmed, 10-1; Ollie’s Candy, Rosario, 10-1; Street Band, Sophie Doyle, 12-1; Wow Cat, unconfirmed, 15-1; Dunbar Road, unconfirmed, 20-1; and La Force, Drayden Van Dyke, 30-1. Wow Cat is not a confirmed starter.