Princess Sylmar Works Her Way Into Distaff
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The news was expected: Princess of Sylmar is heading to Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) Nov. 1.
The winner of four consecutive grade I stakes this year, Princes of Sylmar just needed a satisfactory work at Belmont Park Oct. 19 to punch her ticket to California. She delivered just that, breezing a half-mile over the training track in :48.46, the second fastest of 44 works at the distance.
Trainer Todd Pletcher wasted no time in letting his feelings known to majority owner and breeder Ed Stanco.
"Todd said one word, 'Excellent!' Stanco said. "We're over the moon. Hopefully we'll set foot on the moon before we come back to earth."
Princess of Sylmar is riding a four-race grade I winning streak after capturing the Kentucky Oaks, Coaching Club American Oaks, Alabama Stakes, and Beldame Invitational Stakes in succession. In the last, she defeated two-time Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Royal Delta, becoming the only filly ever to win those four prestigious races in the same year.
The daughter of Majestic Warrior —Storm Dixie, by Catienus is expected to face stiff competition in the Distaff, headed by Royal Delta, Beholder, Close Hatches, and stablemate Authenticity.