Based on recent form lines, European shippers Soprano and Candala merit serious chances at landing the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland on Saturday.
Although neither filly has won above Group 3 level, both exit strong efforts against two of the top fillies in Europe. Soprano was beaten 1 1/2 lengths in the Matron (G1) at Leopardstown by Porta Fortuna, a three-time Group 1 winner this season and top Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) contender. Candala was last seen finishing third in the Prix Alec Head (G2) at Deauville, beaten 2 1/2 lengths by Friendly Soul. That rival just captured the Prix de l’Opera (G1) at Longchamp last weekend.
Leading the American contingent is Grade 1 veteran She Feels Pretty, who adds blinkers after falling short as an odds-on choice in both the Belmont Oaks (G1) and Lake Placid (G2). Those two races have been her only attempts beyond a mile, so Saturday’s nine-furlong distance is at least a bit of a concern.
Trainer Chad Brown has won four of the past six editions of the Challenge Cup and will rely on two entrants. Grayosh outfinished She Feels Pretty by a neck in the Lake Placid, while the lightly raced Oversubscribed was a rallying second in the Lake George (G3) to returning rival Pounce.
The Lake George was the second graded win of the season for Pounce, who also landed the Herecomesthebride (G3) in March. Other graded winners in the field include Regret (G3) heroine Pin Up Betty, Pucker Up (G3) winner Waves of Mischief, and Buchu, who captured the Appalachian (G2) over the Keeneland course in April. However, most have form to find against the main players.
The field is rounded out by Caitlinhergrtness, who landed Canada’s premier event, the King’s Plate, in August. She captured her only previous start on grass in an entry-level allowance at Woodbine in early July.
