Queen Elizabeth II will decide Gozzip Girl's fate

Zensational (left) has the advantage of having the Breeders' Cup Sprint in his own backyard. In

contrast, Fabulous Strike must travel cross-country and switch from dirt to a synthetic surface.P

Gozzip Girl needs to run well in the $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland on Oct. 17, if for no other reason than to strengthen the hopes of the U.S.-based runners for the $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita on Nov. 6.

With a formidable team expected to develop from Europe, a filly such as the 3-year-old Gozzip Girl would be a welcome addition to the BC field. Trainer Tom Albertrani said her participation in the Breeders' Cup depends on the results of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

"We are hopefully looking ahead and hoping that she can make it to the Breeders' Cup," he said. "I guess it will depend on how she runs in the QE II."

Gozzip Girl is already proven over the Filly and Mare Turf distance of 1 1/4 miles, having won the American Oaks at Hollywood Park in July.

The likely starters in the Filly and Mare Turf will be better known after major preps are run throughout the United States and Europe in coming weeks.

Saturday, Dynaforce, the winner of the Beverly D. Stakes at Arlington Park in August, is the leading contender in the $600,000 Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes at Belmont Park, a race expected to draw the well-regarded fillies Carribean Sunset, Moneycantbuymelove, and Pure Clan.

Sunday, there are two major stakes in Paris - the Arc de Triomphe, Europe's most prestigious race, and the Prix de l'Opera for fillies and mares. The Arc could feature the fillies Dar Re Mi, Sariska, and Stacelita. The Prix de l'Opera may include Filly and Mare Turf hopefuls Chinese White and Midday.

Forever Together, the defending champion in the Filly and Mare Turf, is expected to make her next start in the $400,000 First Lady Stakes at Keeneland on Oct. 10.