Letruska Considered for BC Filly & Mare Sprint

Champion Letruska  will not contest the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) and is instead under consideration for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), according to trainer Fausto Gutierrez. Both races are Nov. 5 at Keeneland.

"We are going to evaluate the possibility to run in the Breeders' Cup (Filly and Mare Sprint). That's what we have in mind," Gutierrez said. "We have to make the decision in a short time (before pre-entries are due Oct. 24).

"This is the original plan that I had two years ago, you know. And you know all the history that happened with her, the great horse that she is. She's a 6-year-old horse. What else can we ask of her? Why not? If she says she's ready, we can try that race."

The multiple grade 1-winning daughter of Super Saver   owned by St George Stable was the Eclipse Award-winning Older Dirt Female in 2021 after a season that saw her record six wins from eight starts including the Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1), Personal Ensign Stakes Presented by Lia Infiniti (G1), Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1), Apple Blossom Handicap (G1), Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2), and the Houston Ladies Classic Stakes (G3).

She closed out the year with a disappointing 10th in the Distaff at Del Mar, where she engaged in a speed duel with Private Mission  early on and faded at the stretch.

He is not inclined to pursue the 1 1/8-mile Breeders' Cup Distaff.

"I think the competition of the Distaff this year is very strong," he said. "And I think the nine furlongs is starting to be a long distance for her."

In 2022, the 6-year-old mare's form has seesawed. She started off with wins in the Feb. 26 Royal Delta Stakes (G3) and the April 23 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1), but has finished no better than third in her last three starts including a fifth in the June 11 Ogden Phipps, third in the Aug. 27 Personal Ensign, and fourth last out in the Spinster Oct. 9.

Typically the mare has run largely over longer distances, but Gutierrez says she may benefit from the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at seven furlongs. He noted that he ran her in the Ballerina Stakes (G1) in 2020, where she was fifth after chasing victorious Serengeti Empress  in a hot-paced race.

He suggested the standout mare's career on the track is winding down, and he views the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint as a good opportunity.

"She has the speed; she has the class," he said. "So we are evaluating this possibility (Filly & Mare Sprint) right now."

Letruska is out of the grade 2-placed mare Magic Appeal who has also produced 2018 Indiana Derby (G3) runner-up Trigger Warning.