The $600,000 Spinster (G1) at Keeneland on Sunday is a “Win and You’re In” Challenge prep for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), but it’s not a race Idiomatic needs to win to make that field.
However, after losing two of her four starts this season compared to one of eight races heading into last year’s Distaff, Idiomatic could use some positive momentum heading into her title defense at Del Mar.
The champion older mare of 2023, Idiomatic figures to be strongly favored to become the sixth two-time winner of the 1 1/8-mile Spinster. Although she’s endured multiple losses this season, both were in photos and to rivals she has beaten at other times this term. She might still be the best older mare in the country, on average, but isn’t quite the dominant division force she was 12 months ago.
This is not the deepest Spinster cast, either. The three-year-old Candied is the most likely upsetter, having proven herself as a Grade 1-quality filly winning the Alcibiades last year and finishing second in both the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and Alabama (G1) over the summer.
Even a dominating win by Candied in the relatively unimportant Lady’s Secret S. at Monmouth Park was flattered when older rival Honor D Lady came back to impressively capture the Delaware H. (G2), though that was a weak renewal without Idiomatic there to defend her title.
Occult has raced sparingly this season after placing twice at Grade 1 level a year ago, stakes-winning Loved has struggled in previous graded attempts, while Bow Draw would be a major shock.
An overflow field of Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) prospects will line up in the $350,000 Bourbon (G2) over 1 1/16 miles. Godolphin homebred Cavallo Bay perhaps will be a slight favorite off his third to Zulu Kingdom in the With Anticipation (G3), but doesn’t stand out.
Siesta Key is one of the few with previous stakes experience, having won the Kitten’s Joy S. at Colonial Downs by a nose last month. Otherwise, the field is understandably heavy with recent turf maiden winners. Warlander, Barricade, Golden Afternoon, and Clock Tower are among the potential contenders from that group.
The winner of the Bourbon will receive an automatic bid to the Juvenile Turf.
The stakes action Sunday begins with the $250,000 Indian Summer S., a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for juveniles. The filly Dreamaway appears in with a solid chance facing multiple stakes-winning colt Governor Sam, while Out On Bail, Chasing Liberty, Jet Sweep Joe, and Raise the Bar also merit respect.
