BC Filly & Mare Turf

BREEDERS’ CUP PREVIEWS

A superb field of 12 will go postward in the $1 million
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at Lone Star on Saturday.
Multiple Group 1 heroine OUIJA BOARD (GB) (Cape Cross [Ire]) has
been installed as the 8-5 morning line choice, and although we
respect the dynamic filly, we will search for value on the win
end.

WONDER AGAIN (Silver Hawk) has drawn wide in this 1 3/8-mile
turf contest, but in a race basically void of speed, the post
should not be to her detriment due to her tractability. The
classy bay has reached her full potential this campaign,
evidenced by her runaway wins in the New York H. (G2) and Diana H.
(G1) for conditioner Jimmy Toner, and exits a roughly run race
that could turn out to be a useful prep. The five-year-old loves
some give in the turf, something she should have, and we’re
especially intrigued by her conservative connections shipping her
in for the race. The presence of top turf jockey Edgar Prado adds
to the appeal.

It’s hard to take anything away from Ouija Board, who has
posted sharp wins from four starts in 2004, the lone loss coming
as a fast closing third in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1).
We question how much the three-year-old has in the tank, having been prepped for so many big events this year, and think she
could be vulnerable following the lengthy ship. A scene with her
in the winner’s circle would be no shock; we just prefer her use
on the bottom of exotics.

AUBONNE (Ger) (Monsun) could be a good value play on many
exotic tickets for conditioner Eric Libaud. The chestnut made the
pace in the Beverly D. S. (G1) before tiring to sixth, beaten
just two lengths, and returned with a troubled trip fifth in the
Flower Bowl Invitational H. (G1), this time beaten just 1 1/4
lengths. It may be her time for some good racing luck. This lass
is also likely to be forwardly placed, and with clear sailing,
she could be around very late. Jerry Bailey will guide the four-year-old.

MEGAHERTZ (GB) (Pivotal) is coming into this one having been
unraced since May, when she was a furiously closing second in the
Gamely Breeders’ Cup H. (G1) for Bobby Frankel. The five-year-old
has arguably the best late kick of anyone in the field, which
usually finds her at least on the board. With an unexpected pace
scenario, don’t be too surprised if she passes them all.

LIGHT JIG (GB) (Danehill) has progressed steadily this year
and is yet another who has a shot at finishing in the top three.
The four-year-old Juddmonte homebred shows four wins from six
starts in the United States, including a four-length thrashing in
the Yellow Ribbon S. (G1) most recently. The bay is perfect from
three outings in 2004 at 10 furlongs, so she may fully appreciate
the added eighth in this one. Her off turf record leaves
something to be desired, so we’ll keep her on the lower rungs of
the gimmicks.

YESTERDAY (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) was a good third in this one
last year for Aidan O’ Brien, missing by just 2 3/4 lengths. The
bay has been seen just twice in 2004, with a pair of unplaced
Group 1 efforts, but we respect her connections and back class
and will include her in exotics. RISKAVERSE (Dynaformer) broke a
prolonged losing streak with a terrific performance in the Flower
Bowl, closing into slow fractions to top a solid group. The dark
bay was competitive in this one last year until the latter
stages, and it can be argued that this field is not as
contentious as that one. In a race filled with seeming one-run
closers, it’s hard to imagine her getting up first, but we’ll
keep her in exotics.

MOSCOW BURNING (Moscow Ballet), the likely pacesetter, coughed
up the lead in the latter stages of the Flower Bowl, and should
find this field much tougher. If she is allowed to crawl through
the opening mile, she could last for a minor share. FILM MAKER (Dynaformer)
and SHACONAGE (El Prado [Ire]) are deep closers that look quite
unlikely in here. SUPER BRAND (SAf) (Royal Chalice) and KATDOGAWN
(GB) (Bahhare) may simply be outclassed at this time.