Horse Profile: Pandora’s Gift

Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint Scouting Report

(Editor's note: Originally published in the 2024 BRISnet Breeders' Cup International Report)

Remember Sheikh Albadou, who sprang a 26-1 upset in his dirt debut in the 1991 Sprint? Stuart Williams, part of late trainer Alex Scott’s team at that time, is now back attempting a similar feat with his own pupil, Pandora’s Gift. 

A three-year-old filly by Churchill and out of a mare by Exceed and Excel, whose progeny have taken to dirt in Dubai, Pandora’s Gift was a rapid improver over the winter on the all-weather. She compiled a four-race winning streak capped by the Chelmer Fillies’ S. at Chelmsford, the same race won by Believing (Turf Sprint) the prior year. Pandora’s Gift had the speed to chase and the strong kick to draw off by 2 1/2 lengths. Back in fifth was Soprano (Filly & Mare Turf).

Her progress was halted when she attempted Group company on turf. Pandora’s Gift found Royal Ascot’s Commonwealth Cup (G1) beyond her, and she was unplaced again in the Summer (G3), but she concluded her European campaign with a better third in the Ballyogan (G3). 

Pandora’s Gift reiterated her fondness for synthetic in her U.S. debut in the Presque Isle Downs Masters (G2), forcing Roses for Debra to set a 6 1/2-furlong track record to catch her. The 5 1/2-furlong Franklin (G2) on Keeneland’s turf figured to be too short, especially on a surface that hadn’t hitherto showcased her, so it’s an encouraging sign that she finished third.

Sheikh Albadou 2.0 seems improbable, given her lack of the Group 1 credentials that he had on turf. Pandora’s Gift is also an unknown quantity going as far as seven furlongs. But as a progressive dual-surface type who could have more to offer, she deserves to take her chance.