Toner thinking Recepta might have right stuff

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Jimmy Toner won the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf with Soaring Softly, who recently died as a result of injuries suffered in a paddock accident at Darby Dan Farm.

Toner is hoping he can get back to the Filly and Mare Turf this year with Recepta, whose dam, Honor Bestowed, is a half-sister to Soaring Softly.

Recepta, a daughter of Speightstown, has won her last two starts, including the Grade 3 Noble Damsel at Belmont on Sept. 19. She began her year with an allowance win at Keeneland, where the Breeders’ Cup will be run.

“I think she’s on the improve,” Toner said. “Her numbers are going way up, and she’s really doing good. My options are to stay here and run in the Athenia or take a shot at that.”

Toner said the fact that the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf is 1 3/16 miles this year also is a factor in his desire to run.

“That puts me in the game a little bit,” Toner said. “If it was a mile and three-eighths or a mile and a quarter, I wouldn’t try it.”

On Monday, Recepta worked a half-mile in 48.22 seconds over Belmont’s main track.