2022 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint

Jockey: Florent Geroux

Trainer: Fincher

Owner: Fincher Racing LLC, King, Brad and Kirby, Suzanne

Comments: Ran off with 6 of 7 against state-bred in New Mexico before taking her speed show on the road. Winner of two of her last three, including the G2 TCA here a few weeks ago. Fast starting filly adds pace to a speed-filled race.

Jockey: Hernandez

Trainer: Sadler

Owner: Hronis Racing, LLC

Comments: Longshot 2nd to Ce Ce in the ’21 running of this one. Has won 3 of last 4 (two G3 on West Coast). G1 try at CD two back was less than impressive. Best of 18 4F bullet a week ago. Flightline’s trainer saddles this one, too.

Jockey: Flavien Prat

Trainer: Ward

Owner: Castleton Lyons

Comments: Started career here a winner, but has failed in two starts here since. Would be an easy toss except for an off-the-pace win LTO in the G1 Test at Saratoga. Strong trainer stats but she’s NW4 lifetime eligible. Steps up on off-track.

Jockey: Victor Espinoza

Trainer: McCarthy

Owner: Bo Hirsch, LLC

Comments: 6 YO has been consistent winning 11 lifetime including the ’21 running of this race at Del Mar vs. only four others. Was 5th in the BC Distaff here in ’20. Right distance, wrong track.

Jockey: Luis Saez

Trainer: Bill Mott

Owner: Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, Inc. (Frank Fletcher)

Comments: Winner of nine lifetime, she has back class. Finished 11th in the BC Sprint here in ’20. And 5th in the G2 TCA here in ’21. Some horses like it here. Not her.

Jockey: William Buick

Trainer: Ogasa

Owner: Koji Maeda

Comments: Bred in Japan, she’ll make the trip to the US seeking her 4th career win following a nose victory at this distance LTO in a handicap race at Chukyo. Hard to back.

Jockey: Jose Ortiz

Trainer: Mott

Owner: Juddmonte

Comments: Slow starting daughter of Curlin was the beaten favorite in the G2 Raven Run here in ’21. Won her next three starts. 3rd to ‘Olive’ LTO in the Ballerina.

Jockey: Ortiz, Jr

Trainer: Brown

Owner: First Row Partners and Team Hanley

Comments: Heavy favorite in first five starts, on her way to winning four in a row. Took the G1 Ballerina at almost 6 to 1 racing first time without Lasix. She won anyway! Won her maiden here by 8. Hard to deny her here.

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Trainer: Tom Albertrani

Owner: Mark T. Anderson

Comments: NY bred has 3 wins (all NY breds) in 9 lifetime starts, she’s eligible for NW4. Has a win in two starts at the distance.

Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Trainer: Rodriguez

Owner: Michael Dubb and Michael J. Caruso

Comments: 3YO facing older for the first time. Carries her speed for 3/4s but not 7/8s – but she is fast off the break.

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione

Trainer: Asmussen

Owner:Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (Ron Winchell)

Comments: Beat 3YO LTO in the G2 Raven Run and seeks her 5th in a row against older mares for the first time.

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Trainer: Cox

Owner: Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, Inc. and Ten Strike Racing

Comments: Won a 6F ALW here in her second start at 3YO. Led through most of the 7F G1 Madison here in April before tiring to 4th. 4 for 7 at distance but couldn’t contend with ‘Olive’ in the G1 Ballerina two back.

Jockey: Ricardo Santana

Trainer: Asmussen

Owner:L & N Racing LLC (Lee Levinson) & Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (Ron Winchell)

Comments: Sitting on a 5F bullet workout, she’ll face older horses for the first time. Winner of 6 of 7, she weakened to 4th in the G1 Kentucky Oaks. Easy victory LTO in the G3 Dogwood. Bounce possible?