BC Juvenile Fillies – Grade I

KEE                      Race #5        1 1/16m      Dirt                      Graded Stake

Purse $2,000.00  For Fillies Two Years Old.

1. Majestic Alice

Trainer: TwinTowersRacing
Jockey: Beschizza A

Form Analysis

Majestic Alice enters the Breeders’ Cup as one of the more intriguing outsiders in the field. Her record of two wins and a second from five starts does not initially stand out, but a deeper inspection reveals a filly who has improved steadily with experience and appears to be peaking at the right time.

After winning on debut at Penn National and following up in allowance company at Churchill Downs, she was thrown into progressively stronger races where the results did not always reflect her ability. She finished fourth in the Tah Dah Stakes at Belterra and seventh in the Filly Ovation at Woodbine, but both efforts came after being forced to rally from well off the pace in races that did not completely suit her closing style.

Her breakthrough performance came in the Grade 2 Oak Leaf Stakes at Santa Anita. Settled near the rear after being detached early, she launched a sustained rally around the far turn and closed relentlessly through the lane to finish second. While unable to reel in the winner, the effort represented a significant jump forward in class and suggested that additional distance plays directly into her strengths.

The Oak Leaf also marked her first attempt around two turns, and arguably her best race. The fact she produced a career-best performance when stretched out is encouraging given the Juvenile Fillies will again be contested at 1 1/16 miles.

Her principal concern is tactical speed. She routinely leaves herself substantial work to do and could be vulnerable if the pace proves moderate. However, if the race becomes strongly run early, few in this field possess a more powerful late kick.

Workout Analysis

Majestic Alice’s published work pattern is solid rather than spectacular. Her 5-furlong move in :58.3 at Parx rated favourably enough, while the earlier Monmouth 4-furlong drill in :46.2 was particularly eye-catching as the fastest of seven workers.

The longer six-furlong works at Aqueduct and Churchill indicate a trainer focused on developing stamina rather than simply sharpening speed. That profile aligns perfectly with the progression shown in her recent performances.

Although she lacks the flashy bullet works seen from some rivals, her preparation appears methodical and geared toward maintaining the stamina foundation that fueled her Oak Leaf runner-up effort. Everything points toward a filly arriving fit and ready to run her race.

Stu’s Summary

My biggest fear for this one is not her ability but her draw. So far she has been a deep closer and if she follows that trend from the inside gate she could get buried at the back and end up with just too many horses to try and negotiate. The trainer has been known to use early pace so she may be asked to go a bit harder to hold a better early place but I also wonder whether the plan may be to go hard with one of the other stable runners and give her a chance of running through the rail as others weaken and drift.

2. Eye Appeal

Trainer: Mb Stables
Jockey: Santana R Jr

Form Analysis

Eye Appeal represents one of the strongest and most consistent form lines in the race and deserves serious consideration among the leading contenders.

She won her maiden on debut at Santa Anita before immediately proving that performance was no fluke. Successive victories followed, including an allowance score at Emerald Downs and strong placings in graded company against some of the best juveniles of her generation.

Her runner-up effort in the Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes first signaled she belonged at the elite level. She then validated that impression with another runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante, where she pressed the pace throughout and fought all the way to the wire before being narrowly denied.

Most recently, she contested the Grade 2 Oak Leaf Stakes and arguably emerged with more credit than the finishing position suggests. Racing prominently throughout, she was still battling in the final furlong before being caught late and finishing fourth, beaten only a length.

That performance demonstrated both class and determination. Unlike some rivals who benefited from pace collapses, Eye Appeal was involved from the opening stages and still finished competitively. Her profile suggests a filly capable of securing ideal tactical positioning, a major asset in juvenile championship races.

The question revolves around stamina. Her best work has come between six furlongs and seven furlongs, and while she handled her first route reasonably well, she still needs to prove that a truly strongly-run 1 1/16 miles is her optimum trip.

Workout Analysis

Mb Stables has prepared Eye Appeal in the style of a genuine Grade 1 contender. Two separate one-mile workouts in 1:37.4 stand out and suggest stamina conditioning has become the primary focus since the Oak Leaf.

The recent Keeneland six-furlong drill in 1:11 flat was efficient rather than demanding, likely intended to maintain sharpness rather than build fitness.

The pattern indicates a filly already fit enough to compete, with the trainer simply refining her foundation for the championship target. There are no warning signs in this preparation and every indication that her connections have deliberately focused on stretching her effectiveness beyond sprint distances.

Stu’s Summary

The perfect draw for a stalking run she certainly has the right box the question now is whether she can save enough for the end of this race. I think she has natural speed but she has been happy enough running along without fighting for the lead and that may be key in a race with a lot of natural pace. Others will be working hard whereas she will cruise in behind the speed and we all know how good this trainer is at picking up BC races.

3. Sassette

Trainer: Serenity Stables
Jockey: Corrales G

Form Analysis

Sassette may be one of the most overlooked fillies in the field despite assembling a remarkably respectable Grade 1 résumé.

Her lone victory came on debut at Santa Anita, but she has since spent nearly her entire campaign facing stakes competition. While that leaves her with only one career win, it also means she has consistently been tested against elite opposition.

She chased Eye Appeal home in the Churchill Downs Debutante before competing in the Kentucky Juvenile Fillies Stakes, Grade 3 Adirondack, Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante, and finally the Grade 1 Frizette. Few runners in this race can match that level of sustained class exposure.

The Frizette may have been her best effort. After tracking the leaders throughout, she briefly struck the front turning for home before being caught late and finishing second. The effort produced one of the stronger route performances in this field and hinted that her ceiling may still be rising.

Her speed figures have remained remarkably consistent, ranging from 92 to 95 in nearly every major start. That reliability is both a strength and a concern. She consistently runs well but has lacked the finishing punch needed to convert opportunities against the very best juveniles.

Still, among those seeking a filly likely to produce her race on championship day, Sassette is one of the safest propositions in the field.

Workout Analysis

Her recent work tab is excellent.

Three consecutive drills at Keeneland and Churchill Downs have all been sharp, highlighted by a 5-furlong move in :58.2 and a strong 6-furlong effort in 1:11.1. The consistency of these works mirrors the consistency she has shown on the racetrack.

The spacing of the workouts is ideal, suggesting a carefully managed preparation that has maintained conditioning while avoiding overtraining. The final workout at Churchill six days before the race looks particularly encouraging as a finishing touch.

There is very little to criticize regarding her preparation. She appears fit, healthy, and ready to deliver another competitive performance.

Stu’s Summary

This horse may not have won a race since being bought for $925 but you couldn’t say she has been a failure as she has produced some brilliant efforts for her trainer. Another that is likely to try and sit just behind the speed she will be one of a few trying to come from the stalk and fight to the line. Her win record is a little worrying and she will have to find more fight than she has done but there is no way you could leave her out of your top four calculations.

4. Go Go Supreme

Trainer: Mo Mentum Farm
Jockey: Curtis B

Form Analysis

Go Go Supreme enters the Juvenile Fillies as one of the more fascinating runners in the lineup due to the dramatic nature of her recent improvement.

After finishing third on debut at Woodbine and winning a Monmouth maiden impressively, she was ambitiously placed on turf in the Untapable Stakes at Kentucky Downs. That experiment failed to produce results, but the experience appears to have benefited her significantly.

Returned to dirt and stretched to a mile in the Grade 1 Frizette, she produced the upset of her career. Tracking just behind the leaders throughout, she stayed on strongly down the stretch and defeated a quality field while earning one of the best route figures in this race.

The Frizette effort was not the product of a perfect trip or pace collapse. She traveled comfortably, accelerated when asked, and sustained her run to the wire, all hallmarks of a filly likely to appreciate two-turn racing.

The challenge for handicappers is determining whether the Frizette represented genuine development or a career peak. Prior to that race, her résumé was respectable rather than exceptional. If the Frizette was the beginning of a new phase of improvement, she belongs squarely among the favourites. If it was a one-off performance, regression becomes a concern.

From a pure upside perspective, however, few runners enter this race with a higher ceiling.

Workout Analysis

Her work pattern strongly supports the theory that the Frizette was no fluke.

The pair of one-mile drills at Churchill are particularly noteworthy, including a sharp 1:37.1 move that ranked prominently against fellow workers. Those longer works suggest endurance has become a central focus.

The recent six-furlong move in 1:11 flat at Santa Anita was another strong indicator that she has held her form since the Grade 1 breakthrough.

Everything about the preparation suggests a filly thriving after her Frizette victory and maintaining fitness levels suitable for another major effort.

Stu’s Summary

She was bought for this race for no less than $1225 after her comprehensive win in the Frizette and the trainer will be hoping for a full return on their investment with a win today. The first hurdle has been cleared which is a competitive draw, the second will come in the shape of a race with some very talented rivals. I like the fact that she has been able to adjust her running style to suit and perhaps the best place for her would be in a second group just behind the leaders and stalkers. If she can find that spot she will be hard to hold going down the stretch.

5. Will Name You Later

Trainer: Serenity Stables
Jockey: Espinoza V

Form Analysis

Will Name You Later enters the Juvenile Fillies as one of the more difficult fillies to assess. Her record shows only a single victory from five starts, but she has consistently competed against quality opposition and has shown enough ability to suggest she belongs at this level.

After winning her maiden at Penn National, she immediately stepped into graded company and has remained there throughout the summer. Her Grade 3 Adirondack effort was arguably her breakthrough race, rallying strongly to miss by only a neck after encountering a demanding pace scenario. That performance demonstrated both determination and a willingness to finish.

She subsequently contested the Grade 1 Spinaway where she never truly threatened, finishing eighth, though she was beaten only two lengths in a tightly packed finish. That effort was perhaps better than it looks on paper and suggested she remained competitive despite the result.

Most recently she finished third in the Grade 2 Oak Leaf over this same 1 1/16-mile distance. That run may be the key piece of form. Positioned mid-pack throughout, she stayed on steadily and was still finding in the closing stages. Importantly, she proved she can stay the trip while competing effectively against several rivals she meets again here.

The concern is whether she has the raw class necessary to win a race of this magnitude. She has repeatedly run well without quite getting the job done against elite opposition. Nevertheless, she appears genuine, versatile and capable of picking up another major cheque if the pace unfolds in her favour.

Workout Analysis

Her recent drills suggest a filly holding condition nicely.

The October sequence is particularly pleasing, featuring a mile move in 1:37.4 followed by a sharp 5-furlong work in :58.2 just days before the race. Those are stamina-building moves rather than pure speed drills and fit the profile of a filly who is expected to appreciate two turns.

The six-furlong grass move at Santa Anita was also useful and may have been intended to keep her mentally fresh following the Oak Leaf.

Overall the work tab points toward maintenance rather than improvement, but maintenance may be all that’s required given her encouraging route debut.

Stu’s Summary

This one has a running style that may suit today as she will get back but so far has sat more in a mid pack position than one that gets back too far. That may be a key factor here and she has displayed some willingness in a finish from that position. She is certainly in the mix on her form but is one of many in that position and plenty will need to go her way if she is going to get a clear run down the stretch.

6. Taxation Is Theft

Trainer: TwinTowersRacing
Jockey: Hernandez R M

Form Analysis

Taxation Is Theft arrives with one of the stronger overall résumés in the field and arguably possesses the best combination of consistency and tactical speed among the contenders.

After showing promise in her early starts, she began putting everything together during the summer. A dominant victory in the Ellis Park Debutante saw her dictate throughout before comfortably turning back challengers, and that performance established her as a legitimate graded stakes filly.

The Grade 1 Spinaway represented another excellent effort. She secured a perfect stalking trip, remained involved throughout, and finished fifth while beaten only a length in a blanket finish. It was a performance that showed she belonged with the division’s elite even though she did not earn the victory.

Her strongest race came most recently in the Grade 1 Alcibiades at Keeneland. Sent straight to the lead, she controlled the race through sensible fractions and looked the winner at the eighth pole before being caught late by Retrograde Amnesia. While defeat is never ideal, the runner-up effort over the Juvenile Fillies track and distance is arguably one of the most relevant form lines in the race.

The fact she has already demonstrated effectiveness at Keeneland is a major advantage. Her tactical speed gives Hernandez options from virtually any pace scenario, and her profile suggests she should secure prime position entering the first turn.

The lingering question is whether she is vulnerable in the final furlong against stronger closers. Both of her Grade 1 defeats have followed a similar pattern of travelling strongly before being outfinished late. That issue will need to be addressed if she is to become a Breeders’ Cup winner.

Workout Analysis

The published works are somewhat lighter than many rivals, but there are positives.

The sharp 3-furlong blowout at Belmont in :34.2 indicates retained speed and freshness after the Alcibiades. Earlier six-furlong drills at Monmouth and Woodbine show a solid conditioning base was already established before her graded campaign intensified.

This is not an eye-catching worktab, but it belongs to a filly who has raced frequently and successfully throughout the season. Connections appear focused on keeping her fresh rather than building additional fitness.

She enters the race looking sound, battle-tested, and ready to reproduce her Alcibiades form.

Stu’s Summary

This one has shown a preference for the front and will be one of a few here trying to dominate the speed. A lot will come down to how fast she has to go to achieve that and we saw in her last run that she can be vulnerable should she have to go too hard. The gate is better today than that last start so she has a better hance to cross and lead and she has looked every inch a contender in all her recent starts.

7. The Balance Sheet

Trainer: Family Racing
Jockey: Machado L

Form Analysis

The Balance Sheet may be one of the more underrated fillies in the field and is certainly among the most accomplished route performers.

After a pair of respectable sprint maiden efforts, she stretched to a mile at Ellis Park and transformed immediately. Settled just off the early pace, she moved smoothly into contention and drew clear late to win convincingly. That performance was followed by an even more impressive victory in the Grade 3 Pocahontas at Churchill Downs.

The Pocahontas showcased her greatest asset: the ability to control a race at route distances. She secured the lead early, dictated the pace comfortably, and had enough left to repel challengers in the stretch. While the field may not have been as deep as some Grade 1 contests, the professionalism she displayed was hard to ignore.

Unlike many rivals still trying to prove their stamina credentials, The Balance Sheet is already two-for-two around a mile. That foundation could become increasingly valuable if the Juvenile Fillies develops into a true stamina examination.

The obvious concern is the lack of recent racing. She has not competed since mid-September and therefore enters off a seven-week layoff. While her fresh record does not raise concerns, she will need to show she has continued progressing while others have enhanced their credentials in Grade 1 company.

From a pure route perspective, however, few runners have done more to deserve respect.

Workout Analysis

Her preparation looks absolutely intentional.

Three consecutive one-mile drills in the 1:37 range indicate a trainer fully committed to preserving stamina and route fitness. The latest Keeneland move was particularly encouraging, ranking second of seven workers.

These workouts are notably different from the sharper sprint-focused programmes followed by many rivals. Family Racing appears confident enough in her speed and is concentrating instead on keeping her strong through the wire.

The worktab suggests she should arrive fit despite the layoff and perhaps even a fresher horse than many of her competitors.

Stu’s Summary

Another that will be looking to the front she was pretty impressive when reaching that position in the Pocahontas last time and her works suggest she has improved enough to be a major contender here. She had to go pretty hard last time in comparison to her maiden win which suggested some influence from the gaming buttons last time so it may be a question of how fast she has to go to get the same result. A winning chance for a trainer that has made quite an impression in their short career and who will be looking for a first BC win.

8. Diamond In The Sky

Trainer: D J C Racing Stables
Jockey: Pennington F

Form Analysis

Diamond In The Sky brings one of the most intriguing late-developing profiles into this championship event.

After winning her Saratoga maiden in June, she struggled to make an impact in the Schuylerville and Filly Ovation stakes. While those performances appear disappointing on paper, she was not beaten far in either contest and showed enough late interest to suggest there was more ability than the results indicated.

That potential became reality in the Grade 1 Spinaway. Settled well off the pace early, she began advancing around the far turn before unleashing a sustained rally through the stretch. She ultimately finished second, beaten only half a length, while earning one of the strongest figures in the field.

The Spinaway effort was particularly impressive because she improved against top company after failing to threaten in lesser races earlier in the season. Such a dramatic leap forward often signals rapid development in a young horse.

This will be her first attempt around two turns, making her one of the race’s major unknowns. Pedigree and running style suggest additional distance should be manageable, but until she proves it on the track there remains some uncertainty.

If she handles the added ground, her late-running style could prove extremely dangerous against several pace-oriented fillies.

Workout Analysis

Her recent Keeneland preparations have been solid and professional.

The best of those drills came on October 16 when she covered six furlongs in 1:11.1 while ranking well among a sizeable group of workers. The sequence of six-furlong drills throughout October suggests connections have been specifically targeting stamina development ahead of her first route attempt.

The one-mile work at Belmont in late September is another encouraging indicator and may have served as a bridge toward this longer assignment.

While her works are not spectacularly fast, they display consistency and purpose. For a filly attempting two turns for the first time, that may be more important than posting flashy times.

Stu’s Summary

She has had a nice rest since her excellent Spinaway effort but has yet to race any further than seven furlongs so that will be her first test. I like the way she laid up a bit closer over the longer trip suggesting that she isn’t a sprinter being saved for a last run but a router that has been getting outpaced early on. I may be right and only time will tell but I like her as a possible outsider.

9. Retrograde Amnesia

Trainer: Serenity Stables
Jockey: Lopez P

Form Analysis

Retrograde Amnesia enters the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies with perhaps the strongest combination of current form and proven Grade 1 success in the field. Her record of three wins from five starts tells only part of the story. More importantly, she has improved dramatically with each successive outing and appears to be peaking at precisely the right time.

After needing two starts to find her feet, she broke through impressively at Del Mar, unleashing a powerful late run to defeat a well-regarded maiden field. That victory immediately encouraged connections to test her at the highest level, and she responded by producing a career-defining performance in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante. Allowed to settle off a solid pace, she steadily advanced around the turn before finishing strongest of all to score by three-quarters of a length.

Rather than regress after that breakthrough, she took another step forward in the Grade 1 Alcibiades at Keeneland. Despite racing several lengths off a controlled pace, she stayed within striking distance and produced a sustained stretch run to collar Taxation Is Theft in the final stages. Winning over the exact track and distance of the Juvenile Fillies is an enormous advantage and gives her one of the most relevant form credentials in the race.

Her running style is particularly attractive for this field. Several rivals prefer forward positions, creating the possibility of an honest pace, and Retrograde Amnesia has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to capitalize when given a target.

Unlike some closers, she does not require a complete pace collapse. Her tactical positioning in the Alcibiades showed she can remain engaged before producing her finishing kick. At present, she looks every inch a genuine championship contender.

Workout Analysis

The worktab is precisely what you would expect from a filly coming off a Grade 1 victory.

Three consecutive strong drills at Keeneland, including a sharp :58.1 five-furlong move and another in :58 flat, indicate she has not lost any momentum following the Alcibiades. Her most recent work, third of twenty-one, suggests she remains eager and forward.

The mile move in 1:37.2 reinforces the view that stamina remains a major focus. Rather than simply sharpening speed, connections appear determined to maintain the route foundation that produced victory in the Alcibiades.

Few runners arrive with a more convincing combination of race form and morning preparation.

Stu’s Summary

You would have to make her favorite for this race after a brilliant season so far puts her in the race with the best chance on form. Her running style seems natural which can be a big deal in these sorts of races as there need to be very little input from the gaming buttons and I would imagine the first half mile will be key to her chances as she looks for a run in transit from a widish draw. If she can slot in better than nine wide round turn one she will be hard to hold out down the stretch.

10. Class Play

Trainer: Delta Farms
Jockey: Esquivel E

Form Analysis

Class Play has quietly assembled one of the most consistent records in this field and could easily be overlooked in a race dominated by more fashionable Grade 1 winners.

She showed promise right from the beginning, finishing second on debut before returning to score impressively at Churchill Downs. Her progression continued when she tackled the highly competitive Churchill Downs Debutante, finishing a respectable third against several rivals she meets again here.

Her breakthrough stakes victory came in the Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar. After stalking a competitive pace, she produced a determined stretch rally to secure victory by three-quarters of a length. That performance confirmed her ability to compete at graded level and revealed a useful degree of versatility.

Most recently she ran third in the Grade 1 Spinaway, beaten only a length by Whispering Pines while finishing strongly through the final furlong. That effort may prove more significant than it initially appears, as the Spinaway has emerged as one of the strongest form lines in this year’s division.

What makes Class Play dangerous is her reliability. She has never finished worse than third since her debut and continues to produce figures that place her firmly within striking distance of the division leaders.

The primary concern is distance. Unlike several rivals, she has never raced beyond seven furlongs. While her finishing style hints at further improvement over longer trips, she must still answer a question that others have already addressed.

Workout Analysis

If there is one area where Class Play makes a compelling statement, it is her recent work pattern.

Her October 7 six-furlong drill in 1:10.3 was the fastest of twelve workers and one of the sharper moves produced by any runner in this field. That was backed up by a brisk four-furlong move in :46.4 and another maintenance drill shortly before race day.

These works suggest a filly thriving physically and carrying excellent energy into the race. The preparation appears specifically designed to maintain her tactical speed while gradually stretching her fitness levels toward the longer distance.

Fitness should not be an issue.

Stu’s Summary

Another that comes here without a run further than seven furlongs I am not too worried as she has looked pretty strong at the end of her races. Her recent works have shown improvement and I like that and I also like that she has had a nice break between runs. Certainly on her Spinaway effort she has a bit to find and if it was more ground she was looking for todays trip could be the difference. A decent chance although the draw will make it tough for her to find a spot in maybe the second group chasing the speed.

11. Acapulco Angel

Trainer: TwinTowersRacing
Jockey: Bridgmohan S X

Form Analysis

Acapulco Angel is one of the field’s more interesting longshot possibilities and enters off arguably the strongest effort of her career.

After beginning her racing career in modest company, she steadily climbed the ladder through the summer. A victory in New Mexico allowance company demonstrated her ability, while a runner-up finish in the Sca Act Stakes at Gulfstream showed she could remain competitive when the level rose.

Her first Grade 1 attempt in the Del Mar Debutante was disappointing as she never landed a meaningful blow and finished eighth. However, she redeemed herself considerably in the Frizette.

In that race she settled well behind the pace before producing a sustained late rally to finish third, beaten only a length by Go Go Supreme. Importantly, she was still making up ground at the finish and suggested the mile distance may have unlocked further improvement.

The Frizette effort gives her a legitimate route credential and places her surprisingly close to several better-fancied rivals. While she still needs another step forward to win at Breeders’ Cup level, the progression is apparent.

Unlike some runners who have already reached their established ceiling, Acapulco Angel retains the profile of a filly who may still have improvement available.

Workout Analysis

Her worktab is less extensive than many of the major contenders, but there are still positives.

The sharp six-furlong drill at Gulfstream in July stands out, while subsequent five-furlong moves at Monmouth and Parx have maintained fitness levels adequately. The September Parx work in :58.2 compares favourably with many of her rivals.

The slight concern is the absence of a more recent workout pattern following the Frizette. Some trainers prefer a lighter approach, but compared to others in this field, her preparation appears less aggressive.

Even so, nothing suggests regression, and she should arrive capable of reproducing her Frizette effort.

Stu’s Summary

Gets here a little under the radar as her last two starts have been pretty good without lighting up the screens. She certainly deserves a spot and whilst the draw wont help I did really like her effort last time in the Frizette where she made up plenty of ground in the run for home. The challenge for her will be where she has to go to find a less challenging position but if the luck is with her and she slots in not too far off them she could be one to spice up the exotic bets.

12. Whispering Pines

Trainer: Mb Stables
Jockey: Velazquez J R

Form Analysis

Whispering Pines may be the most polarizing filly in the entire field.

On one hand, she is already a Grade 1 winner and owns one of the highest figures achieved by any runner in this race. On the other, her most recent performance raises legitimate concerns about her suitability for the Juvenile Fillies distance.

She began her career with immediate success, winning on debut before capturing the Kentucky Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Churchill Downs. Although she subsequently suffered defeats in both the Schuylerville and Adirondack, she rebounded emphatically in the Grade 1 Spinaway.

That Spinaway victory was outstanding. Positioned close throughout, she struck the front entering the stretch and held off a late challenge from Diamond In The Sky. The performance established her among the leaders of the division and justified strong favouritism entering the Alcibiades.

Unfortunately, the Alcibiades proved disappointing. Never travelling comfortably, she dropped steadily through the field before finishing ninth, beaten five lengths. More concerning than the finish itself was the manner of the defeat, as she failed to offer the usual late resistance.

The obvious interpretation is that the extra distance exposed limitations in her stamina. If that assessment is correct, the Juvenile Fillies presents another difficult assignment.

However, top-class juveniles occasionally produce inexplicably poor efforts. If the Alcibiades can be forgiven as a one-off setback, her Spinaway victory makes her a major player.

She is one of the race’s biggest “bounce-back” candidates.

Workout Analysis

Mb Stables has responded to the Alcibiades defeat with a very deliberate preparation.

The sequence includes two one-mile works and multiple six-furlong drills, all suggesting an emphasis on stamina development. Rather than reverting to shorter speed-focused training, connections have doubled down on building endurance.

The latest six-furlong move in 1:11.1 at Keeneland was solid, while the mile drills at Belmont indicate a commitment to addressing the question marks left by the Alcibiades.

Whether that work translates into improved route performance remains to be seen, but the preparation itself could hardly be more appropriate.

Stu’s Summary

This was the DMR Trials winner so has been good since day one but her last start had me worried as those trial winners can have a short lifespan. She has a brilliant win in the Spinaway sandwiched between two just OK efforts so consistency can be an issue and todays draw will not help her plight. Valazquez sticks with her which is a real plus and she will need all the jockeys clever ways to find a place she can launch from. If we see the filly that won the Spinaway then the others need to watch out.

13. Charlotte de Berry

Trainer: Mb Stables
Jockey: Prat F

Form Analysis

Charlotte de Berry is arguably the most fascinating outsider in the field and the type of filly capable of dramatically outperforming her odds.

At first glance, her record appears modest. She has only one victory from four starts and arrives with relatively limited experience compared to many rivals. However, a deeper examination suggests her form is considerably stronger than the bare statistics indicate.

After winning her maiden at Lone Star, she was ambitiously placed in stakes company. Her effort in the California Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Del Mar was disappointing on paper, but she was beaten only two lengths and shaped as though additional distance would prove beneficial.

Her next start was a dramatic improvement. Returning at Monmouth, she closed from the rear to miss by only a head in allowance company despite starting at extraordinary odds. That effort hinted she was beginning to develop both physically and mentally.

The real eye-catcher came in the Grade 1 Frizette. Drawn widest of all in post twelve, she dropped to the rear early and found herself with a mountain to climb entering the stretch. Once angled into the clear, however, she produced one of the strongest finishing runs in the entire race, charging through the field to dead-heat for third, beaten only a length.

What makes that effort particularly interesting is the fact that she was making ground on the principals with every stride through the wire. The mile distance clearly suited, and there is every reason to believe the additional sixteenth of a mile at Keenland could play further into her hands.

She still needs another forward move to threaten the division’s established stars, but among the longshots she possesses one of the highest upside profiles in the race. If the pace becomes heated up front, she has the closing style to make things very uncomfortable for the favourites.

Workout Analysis

Her preparation is professional and consistent, fitting the profile of a filly who continues to improve.

The recent six-furlong move at Keeneland in 1:11.2 was solid and mirrors the pattern used successfully by several of the Mb Stables runners. Earlier works at Belmont, including a mile drill in 1:38.0 and a six-furlong move in 1:11.1, suggest stamina has become the central focus.

None of the works are flashy, but neither was her Frizette performance until race day. The work pattern appears designed to continue building conditioning rather than showcase brilliance in the mornings.

The overall impression is of a filly coming into herself at exactly the right time and one who may still have untapped improvement available.

Stu’s Summary

The trainer hasn’t had much luck with the draw here as they find their second runner out in the cheap seats. This one is very different than their other runner as she only really showed the sort of form she will need for this in her last start when flying home late in the Frizette. A deep closer that day she may look to be doing a similar thing from this draw but the pace looks strong enough for that to happen. In a season where pace has held more often that not she will need some luck but the draw may give her a last run at them from wide on the track and if anyone can pull that off it is Mb Stables.

14. Runningfortheroses

Trainer: D J C Racing Stables
Jockey: Elliott S

Form Analysis

Runningfortheroses enters the Juvenile Fillies with as much momentum as almost any contender in the field and deserves serious consideration despite a somewhat unconventional campaign.

Few runners have shown the same degree of progression during the second half of the season. After a disappointing debut at Keeneland, she quickly turned things around with a decisive maiden victory at Woodbine before stepping directly into graded competition.

Her breakthrough came in the Grade 3 Adirondack at Saratoga. Tracking the leaders throughout, she fought gamely in the stretch and prevailed by a neck against quality opposition. That victory immediately identified her as a genuine contender within the division.

Connections then tested her in the Grade 1 Spinaway, where she nearly delivered another top-level success. Sent directly to the lead, she controlled the pace for much of the race and was still in front approaching the final furlong before being caught late and finishing fourth, beaten only a length.

Most recently she proved her route credentials in the Grade 2 Oak Leaf Stakes. Allowed to dictate matters up front, she set sensible fractions, kicked clear turning for home, and had enough left to deny Majestic Alice in the final strides.

The Oak Leaf win may have answered the biggest question surrounding her. Prior to that race she looked every bit a high-quality sprinter, but success at 1 1/16 miles suggests she possesses far more versatility than originally believed.

Her tactical speed is arguably her greatest weapon. In a field featuring several closers and stalkers, she is one of the few runners capable of securing the initiative early and forcing others to adapt to her.

If left alone on the lead, she becomes extremely dangerous.

Workout Analysis

Her worktab reflects a filly in excellent order.

The mile drill in 1:37.2 shortly before the Oak Leaf was particularly noteworthy and likely contributed to her ability to see out the distance successfully. Subsequent six-furlong works in the low 1:11 range suggest she has maintained both speed and stamina since that victory.

The October training pattern is straightforward and effective, with no signs of overtraining despite a demanding campaign. While not among the fastest workers in the field, she has repeatedly demonstrated that she saves her best efforts for the afternoon.

Everything about the preparation suggests she remains in the same form that carried her to victory at Santa Anita.

Stu’s Summary

Out in the car park we find the investment from DJC Racing stables who paid $555 for this one to have a second runner in the race. Whilst no-one wants to be drawn in the car park it may be just what this filly needs as she seems to have two options. One is to use her natural speed and the wide gate speed push to go for the lead, the other is to go back and try a wide late run. Either option wont be hindered with the gate but both options rely on things which are a long way out of her control. She certainly has the ability to win if she can overcome the draw.

Whole race summary:

The race appears to revolve around the Alcibiades, Frizette, Oak Leaf, and Spinaway form lines.

Retrograde Amnesia owns the most relevant piece of form after winning the Alcibiades over the Keeneland surface and distance. Go Go Supreme brings the strongest Frizette performance, while Runningfortheroses enters off a highly professional Oak Leaf victory. Taxation Is Theft arguably has the best tactical profile in the race and should secure an ideal stalking position.

Among the outsiders, Charlotte de Berry, Diamond In The Sky, and Majestic Alice all possess late-running styles capable of making an impact if the pace becomes contested.

On overall body of work, Retrograde Amnesia enters as the filly with the strongest championship résumé, but this is one of the deeper Juvenile Fillies fields in recent memory, and there are at least half a dozen runners with realistic winning claims.

Trying to pick a winner is like trying to find sense in a mad world because there are arguments to be made for every runner, just as it should be for a championship race. Only one can win though and on paper that looks like Retrograde Amnesia but if you like any of the others I wont be able to put you off with a good argument.

Good luck to everyone involved !!!

Categories: BC 2026, THE BREEDERS CUP