Meet the 2022 Breeders' Cup Distaff contenders
Malathaat winning the Spinster S. (G1) at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Photography)
November 3rd, 2022
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson takes a horse-by-horse look at pre-entries for the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Keeneland, exploring the pros and cons of each contender.
Awake At Midnyte finishing second in the Santa Ynez (G2) at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)
Awake At Midnyte
Pros: Three-year-old filly exits a career-best runner-up effort in the Zenyatta (G2) against older rivals.
Cons: She’s the only filly in the Distaff pre-entries without a Grade 1 win (or any graded win) to her credit.
Blue Stripe winning the Santa Margarita (G2) at Santa Anita (Photo by Benoit Photo)
Blue Stripe
Pros: Improving Argentinean-bred mare achieved her signature victory in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1) last time out.
Cons: She finished seventh in the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Distaff and hasn’t yet beat a field of the caliber she’ll face at Keeneland.
Clairiere winning the Rachel Alexandra (G2) at Fair Grounds (Photo by Hodges Photography)
Clairiere
Pros: Accomplished four-year-old defeated Malathaat in both the Ogden Phipps (G1) and Shuvee (G2) during the spring and summer.
Cons: She never factored when finishing last behind Malathaat in the Personal Ensign (G1), her most recent start.
Malathaat winning the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Photography)
Malathaat
Pros: Last year’s champion three-year-old filly exits consecutive victories against tough competition in the Personal Ensign and Spinster (G1). She’s also 3-for-3 at Keeneland.
Cons: She lost twice to Clairiere earlier this year.
Nest winning the Alabama (G1) at Saratoga (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
Nest
Pros: Standout sophomore filly has been on fire with blowout victories in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), Alabama (G1), and Beldame (G2). She also won the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland during the spring.
Cons: She’s primarily beaten fellow three-year-olds and is facing her toughest test to date in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
Search Results winning the Busher S. at Aqueduct (Photo by Joe Labozzetta/Coglianese Photos)
Search Results
Pros: The 2021 Acorn (G1) winner finished just half a length behind Malathaat when second in the Personal Ensign, her most recent start.
Cons: She’s finished behind Malathaat in all three of their meetings.
Secret Oath winning the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
Secret Oath
Pros: Talented sophomore filly defeated Nest by two lengths in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) during the spring.
Cons: Her recent form hasn’t been as strong, and she finished well behind Nest in both the Coaching Club American Oaks and Alabama.
RELATED: Secret Oath parlays perfect trip into Kentucky Oaks glory
Society winning the Cotillion (G1) at Parx Racing (Photo By Nikki Sherman/EQUI-PHOTO)
Society
Pros: Once-beaten filly boasts a 5-for-6 record highlighted by recent runaway victories in the Charles Town Oaks (G3) and Cotillion (G1).
Cons: Her lone defeat came in the Coaching Club American Oaks, where she finished 17 3/4 lengths behind Nest.
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