Yellow Ribbon proves ideal prep for Wait a While

After Wait a While scored a sharp victory in the Grade 1 Yellow Ribbon Stakes at Santa Anita last weekend, there was a sense of euphoria among the people closest to her.

Wait a While, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2006, displayed the sort of performance that will make her a leading contender for the $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf over the same 1 1/4 miles on turf on Oct. 24. She just happens to be unbeaten in three starts on Santa Anita's turf course.

"I couldn't imagine a better prep," said Michael McCarthy, assistant to trainer Todd Pletcher.

After this weekend, a clearer picture will emerge as to who Wait a While will face in the BC Filly and Mare Turf. There are four major stakes run in Canada, Europe, and Kentucky.

Friday's $400,000 First Lady Stakes over a mile on turf at Keeneland is led by Precious Kitten, Forever Together, and Dreaming of Anna. Trainer Bobby Frankel said a decision about Precious Kitten's participation in the BC Filly and Mare Turf depends on her performance on Friday.

Saturday's $1 million E.P. Taylor Stakes over 1 1/4 miles on turf at Woodbine features J'ray and Callwood Dancer, the first two finishers in the Canadian Stakes last month, and Sealy Hill, the 2007 Canadian Horse of the Year who was fourth in the Canadian. The race is part of the Breeders' Cup Win and You're In program, offering a guaranteed berth for the winner to the BC Filly and Mare Turf, subject to entry fees.

Saturday's Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes over a mile at Newmarket, England, and Sunday's Group 1 Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp in Paris could produce foreign runners.