One of two Breeders’ Cup Challenge series races at Keeneland on Sunday, the $600,000 Spinster (G1) may determine favoritism for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Santa Anita on Nov. 4. A total of three stakes will be offered on the 10-race program.
Idiomatic and Nest highlight seven fillies and mares competing for an expenses-paid berth to the Distaff in the 1 1/8-mile Spinster.
A winner of three straight graded stakes for Brad Cox, Idiomatic confirmed her ascension to the top ranks when leading all the way in the Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 25, earning a career-best 106 Brisnet Speed rating for the four-length win. Florent Geroux retains the mount on the four-year-old daughter of Curlin.
Nest will seek a measure of revenge after finishing third at odds-on in the Personal Ensign. Last year’s champion three-year-old filly, Nest counted an impressive win in the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland among her five stakes wins last season, and she will make her third start off the layoff for Todd Pletcher in the Spinster. Irad Ortiz Jr. retains the mount.
Next is pegged the 6-5 favorite, Idiomatic at 7-5. Stakes winner Le Da Vida comes next at 6-1, the only other runner at less than 15-1 on the morning line.
The $350,000 Bourbon (G2), a “Win & You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), drew 15 runners, including a trio of also-eligibles, for 1 1/16 miles on turf.
Noted will compete for favoritism following a win in the Sapling S. on Monmouth Park’s main track. The Pletcher-trained colt showed his versatility when breaking his maiden on Saratoga’s turf two back, and Irad Ortiz will be back up on the gray son of Cairo Prince. Pletcher also has debut turf maiden special weight winner Nomos, fourth in the With Anticipation (G3) last out, in the main body of the field.
Vote No improved to 2-for-2 with an upset win in the Sept. 13 Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs, and the Bill Morey-trained gelded son of Divisidero will look to make an impact from just off the pace with Gerardo Corrales. Palm Tree is a contender for Brendan Walsh following a Kentucky Downs maiden win, and Coin Miner merits respect for Keith Desormeaux after capturing a lucrative allowance at Kentucky Downs.
The $250,000 Indian Summer, a possible prep for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, kicks off the stakes action. Amidst Waves will look to stretch her win streak to four after taking the Between Landing S. at Saratoga. She’s one of four fillies in the 10-horse field, and John Velazquez rides for George Weaver.
Other runners in the 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint include last-out maiden scorers Candymaker, Cowes, Pinotslilgirl, and Shards.
