Keeneland preview: Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (16.45)
David Metcalf | October 31, 2015
Lady Shipman has a progressive profile and looks decent each-way value in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Keeneland (16.45).
The Kathleen O’Connell trained filly has been a revelation this year, winning seven of her nine starts and finishing in the frame on the other two.
Lady Shipman was particularly impressive on her penultimate outing at Saratoga, showing plenty of pace to chase the leaders before taking up the running at the furlong marker and quickening clear under a hands and heels ride from Irad Ortiz to score easily by 2 1/2 lengths.
The three-year-old looked all set to follow-up that success over course and distance at the beginning of the month, when well in control only for her jockey Eduardo O Nunez to lose momentum and take things too easy.
It resulted in Lady Shipman getting chinned in the dying strides and beaten a head, but there is little doubt that she was the best horse in the race and should have won.
It’s no surprise to see Ortiz reunited with the daughter Midshipman following Nunez’s blunder, and Lady Shipman is a strong travelling type who can do it from the front or come from behind.
Lady Shipman is also blessed with plenty of natural speed, and is a strong traveller who stays further.
Those are big pluses in a contest that is sure to be run at a break neck gallop, and from a good draw in stall five everything looks in place for a huge run.
Undrafted favourite for sprint crown
Undrafted heads the market, and looks a player judged on his success in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Wes Ward trained five-year-old came from off the pace to beat Brazen Beau by a neck, but has since finished a disappointing third over course and distance when beaten 3 3/4 lengths.
That run did come after a break, and there is every possibility that he will come on for it.
However, Undrafted’s best win on home soil came in Grade 3 company at Belmont Park back in June 2014 and he has a potentially trappy draw in stall three for a hold-up horse in this Grade 1 affair.
The son of Purim is flanked by speed, and Frankie Dettori will have to be at his brilliant best to secure a good early position.
Another worthy of a mention is last year’s winner Bobby’s Kitten who has not been at his best in two starts this year but is sure to have been primed to make a bold defence of his crown.
Related
Check out our Breeders’ Cup archive.
Coral’s top tip: Lady Shipman has improved throughout the season and looks well worth an each-way wager in a wide open renewal.
