Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Twilight Gleaming

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint

Although her Wesley Ward stablemate Averly Jane ranks as the favorite, Twilight Gleaming has the right profile for this race as well. She hasn’t been spotted stateside since her brilliant maiden win at Belmont in :56.49, but she’ s run well in her two interim starts in Europe.

The 9-4 favorite in Royal Ascot’s Queen Mary (G2), Twilight Gleaming blazed the trail but couldn’t hold off Quick Suzy late and settled for second. She managed to hold on down Deauville’s straightaway in the Aug. 7 Prix de la Vallee d’Auge, but barely, just fending off British Group 3-placed Delmona on very soft.

A return to conditions reminiscent of her maiden win – five furlongs around a turn – could make Twilight Gleaming look like a different filly. It would be ironic if the American style brings out the best in her, since she’s an Irish import.

By French champion juvenile National Defense (a son of Invincible Spirit), Twilight Gleaming hails from a family developed by Queen Elizabeth II. Her dam is a Dansili half-sister to The Queen’s top 2022 Epsom Derby (G1) hope, Reach for the Moon.