Siding with an import in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf

A superb cast of 14 turf distaffers will travel 1 3/16 miles on the Keeneland lawn in Saturday’s $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1). The North American contingent is full of classy runners, with seven of the 10 entrants having previously achieved Grade 1 glory led by defending champ #2 Sistercharlie (6-1). But, I feel that the European invaders are an imposing threat in 2020, and I will side with one from overseas for the upset.

Trainer James Fawnshawe will saddle his first ever Breeders’ Cup starter with #11 Audarya (12-1), who aced her first top-level test with a tally in the Jean Romanet (G1) at Deauville in August two back. The 4-year-old Wootton Bassett filly made her second Group-1 outing on Arc Day at Longchamp in the Prix de l’Opera (G1) and checked in an excellent third behind a very talented duo. She possesses a measure of tactical speed combined with a swift turn of foot that should translate well to Keeneland and this particular field. Pierre-Charles Boudot picks up the mount atop the peaking filly.

#4 Mean Mary (7-2) has been a force since moving to the turf in her second lifetime start for Graham Motion. Dark bay Scat Daddy 4-year-old had her four-race win streak snapped in the Diana (G1) most recently, but I think that the race will set her up well for Saturday in just her third assignment since March. Speedy Kentucky-bred graduated on this course with authority last year.

Sistercharlie shows two decent prep races this season in preparation of defending her title in the affair for Chad Brown. The 6-year-old mare has not been fully cranked for either assignment in 2020, and the stretch out in distance will surely aid the champion on Saturday. Daughter of Myboycharlie draws well near the rail to save ground throughout beneath John Velazquez.

I also have interest in European imports #3 Peaceful (12-1) and #7 Terebellum (20-1), as well as U. S. based stars #5 My Sister Nat (12-1) and #6 Rushing Fall (5-2), but will use that quartet in the lower rungs of the exotics only.

Filly and Mare Turf Wagers

• $20 Win and Place: #11 Audarya ($40)
• $1 Trifecta Key: 11 with 2,3,4,5,6,7 ($30)