How to bet the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

Juvenile Fillies Turf Wagers

• $15 Win and Place: 11 ($30)
• $.50-cent Trifecta Key: 11 with 3,4,10 with all ($18)
• $.50-cent Trifecta Key: 11 with all with 3,4,10 ($18)
• $.50-cent Trifecta: 3,4,10 with 11 with all ($18)

Juvenile Fillies Turf Analysis

An overflow field of 16 2-year-old fillies will take aim on the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) on Friday. The one-mile grassy affair, unlike many of the ‘Cup races on the lawn in recent years, has been dominated by domestic runners, who have bagged 10 of the last 12 editions of the race. And I think that the trend will continue in 2020.

Trainer Wesley Ward has an imposing pair for the contest, led by Group 1 victress #10 Campanelle (4-1), but I am taking my chances with her stablemate #11 Royal Approval (10-1). The February foal has rolled home to consecutive tallies in succession following a failed attempt at Royal Ascot, led by a measured victory in the recent Matron (G3) on the Belmont Park sod.

Royal Approval, who was also considered for the Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2), possesses the running style of a youngster who is crying out for a bit more ground to work with. The Three Chimneys Farm homebred has early presence combined with a strong turn of foot, and I love that fact that the daughter of Tiznow shows three morning moves on the Keeneland turf in preparation of her local debut. Bay filly will track the pace early on with top pilot Irad Ortiz Jr. retaining the mount.

#3 Alda (12-1) was a clear runner-up in the Natalma (G1) at Woodbine most recently and I think that she will be a contender in the deep field. Trained by Graham Motion, who saddled the winner of the affair in 2019, the chestnut daughter of Munnings gets a fine draw near the rail to save ground early and unleash her kick turning for home at a price. Kentucky-bred will have John Velazquez in the silks.

Christophe Clement’s #4 Plum Ali (4-1) has been spotless from three career dominant engagements to date. First Samurai filly owns a potent turn of foot, and she will be tough to hold off late if she gets clear sailing throughout. The chestnut has a solid chance to give her conditioner a first ever Breeders’ Cup victory with Joel Rosario accepting the assignment.