Keeneland preview: Breeders’ Cup Filly And Mare Turf (18.10)
Published:
David Metcalf | October 31, 2015
Legatissimo looks a cut-above her rivals and a worthy red-hot favourite to land the Breeders’ Cup Filly And Mare Turf at Keeneland (18.10).
The David Wachman trained filly is a three time Group 1 winner having landed the 1000 Guineas, Nassau Stakes and most recently the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.
Legatissimo also ran a blinder when beaten just a short-head by stable companion Qualify in the Investec oaks at Epsom, and looked an unlucky loser when a short-head runner-up in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.
The daughter of Danehill Dancer should arguably have won five Group 1 contests this season instead of three, and there is little doubt that she is right out of the top drawer.
Legatissimo also has the perfect blend of speed and stamina, and the only question mark is whether this race will the race be one too many.
The three-year-old has been on the go since April and had seven races, and it’s a tough ask to keep going to the well at the highest level for such a long period.
However, she is reported to be in rude health by Wachman and from a great draw in stall three could probably perform to 90 per cent of her ability and still win this.
Miss France ready top pounce if any Legatissimo slip up
Last year’s 1000 Guineas winner Miss France has had a light campaign this term with just the two starts, and looks the most likely one to capitalise should Legatissimo fail to live up to expectations.
The Andre Fabre trained four-year-old finished runner up in a Listed contest at Longchamp in September, before filling the same spot in Group 2 company at the same venue over Arc weekend.
Miss France has clearly been brought along with this race in mind, and with Frankie Dettori in the saddle looks sure to go well.
Stephanies Kitten looks the strongest of the home team and comes in to the race on the back of a Grade 1 win at Belmont Park in the Flower Bowl Stakes.
The Chad Brown trained mare finished a 1 1/4 length runner-up in last year’s running of this contest at Santa Anita, but this year’s renewal looks far stronger and at six years of age she is going to find life tough against some progressive types.
Related
Check out our Breeders’ Cup archive.
