Strut the Course opts for E.P. Taylor over Breeders' Cup

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Strut the Course earned a berth in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf by virtue of her win in the Grade 2 Canadian Stakes here Sept. 13, but trainer Barb Minshall said Strut the Course will bypass the Breeders’ Cup in favor of the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes.

The E.P. Taylor carries a purse of $500,000 and will be run over 1 1/4 miles on turf at Woodbine on Oct. 18.

Strut the Course was not originally nominated to the Breeders’ Cup, which would require owner and breeder John Unger to pay a $100,000 supplemental nomination fee in order to make her eligible. Minshall said the size of that fee played a part in the decision to point for the E.P. Taylor.

“It was definitely a big factor, not to mention the E.P. Taylor is a Grade 1 and it’s right here,” Minshall said. “Definitely, the supplemental fee is quite large, so it probably wasn’t a hard choice for Mr. Unger to make.”

Strut the Course is making a strong case to repeat as Canadian champion older female and could add champion turf female to her credentials, with Grade 2 wins over 1 1/8 miles in the Dance Smartly and Canadian stakes this year. Minshall said she believes 1 1/4 miles will not be a problem for Strut the Course, who won the Grade 3 Maple Leaf Stakes at the distance on Polytrack last season.

“She’s in good shape,” she said. “The mile and a quarter here isn’t a problem. She’s proven at the distance, so hopefully she’ll be good for that race.”