Tipsheet: The Breeders’ Cup Distaff

A total of six Grade 1 heroines will lead a field of 10 postward in Saturday’s $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).

Distaff Plays

• #3 Dunbar Road
• #5 Swiss Skydiver
• #10 Monomoy Girl
• #9 Ollie’s Candy
• #1 Ce Ce

Distaff Wagers

• $20 Win and Place: #3 Dunbar Road ($40)
• $10 Exacta Key Box: 3 with 5,10 ($40)

Distaff Contenders

#1 CE CE is a dual Grade 1 vixen who will make her Keeneland debut on Saturday for McCarthy. Chestnut daughter of Elusive Quality has been a bit off form in her last two, but she has a lot of class and could upset this cast with her best. John Velazquez riding adds to her appeal.

#2 HARVEST MOON comes off her best score to date when eclipsing the Zenyatta (G2) at Santa Anita. Simon Callaghan sophomore rides in on a four-race win streak with improving Brisnet Speed figures in each lifetime outing, and the filly looms an exotics danger with continued ascension. Regular rider Flavien Prat retains the ride.

#3 DUNBAR ROAD is a dangerous contender who might be ignored in the wagering. Chad Brown trainee was a fine third in the 2019 Spinster (G1) on the course, and she will be sitting on a big one in just her third appearance since the spring. Jose Ortiz will guide the upset pick.

#4 HOROLOGIST has elevated her game since arriving in the Mott barn three back. The recent Beldame (G2) queen proved that she can win outside of the Garden State last time out, and another step forward will give her a top-three chance beneath Junior Alvarado.

#5 SWISS SKYDIVER exits a fantastic score in the Preakness (G1) over the boys for Kenny McPeek. Daredevil filly is all class, and she finished an excellent second against males in the Blue Grass (G2) on the oval in the summer, as well. The soon-to-be champion chestnut is a must use under Albarado.

#6 LADY KATE brings pace to the Distaff for Eddie Kenneally. Daughter of Bernardini has never earned a top-level win, and she has also missed the board in each of her three local runs, so she seems like an outsider on Saturday.

#7 POINT OF HONOR is a consistent late runner who will capitalize if the pace is robust in the distaff. George Weaver pupil has been close at the level in the past, and she had a nice prep for this when she was a rallying second in the recent Beldame (G2) at Belmont Park. Regular pilot Castellano stays in the silks.

#8 VALIANCE has thrived with the switch to the dirt as of late for Pletcher, and she comes in off of a sharp Spinster (G1) victory on the track. Tapit 4-year-old has never been better, and she possesses a high ceiling being lightly raced in preparation of the Distaff. Luis Saez will ride the gray. 

#9 OLLIE’S CANDY is an ultra-consistent 5-year-old who was last seen finishing a very good second in the Spinster (G1) for John Sadler. Dark bay mare is of certain Grade 1 quality who never runs a bad one, and she might improve off of her fourth-place showing in the race in 2019. Joel Rosario will be in the stirrups.

#10 MONOMOY GIRL was victorious in this affair in 2018 and looms large in this year's Distaff, riding in on a three-race win streak in 2020. The sublime daughter of Tapizar faces a sensational cast and drew widest of all, as well, but the chestnut has to be on most or all tickets on Saturday. The Brad Cox trainee, who was a facile Grade 1 queen in her lone local run to date, will have Florent Geroux in the pipes once again.