Sheer Drama Records Final BC Distaff Breeze

Harold Queen's multiple grade I winner Sheer Drama breezed five furlongs over Gulfstream Park's main track Oct. 21, her final work for the $2 million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) at Keeneland.



The 5-year-old Burning Roma mare, a half sister to 2010 Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) winner Big Drama, worked in 58.88 seconds, the fastest of 11 horses at the distance. It was her fourth timed work since the Personal Ensign (gr. I) at Saratoga Racecourse Aug. 28, a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" race that earned her an automatic berth in the Oct. 30 Distaff.

BALAN: Sheer Drama Plays Spoiler in Personal Ensign



"She did it well and galloped out good," trainer David Fawkes said. "She's fit. She came back today and she wasn't even blowing. It was like she didn't even do anything. She drank water, which is good, but she wasn't huffing and puffing by any means. She's doing pretty darn good right now. I hope she stays this good. Now we have to get to the next step and get her in the paddock."



Fawkes said he plans to leave Gulfstream Oct. 22 for a 15-hour drive to Lexington.



"Once she gets there, she'll have her regular training routine. She likes to go out early, so she'll go out early. Whatever she needs," Fawkes said. "She doesn't need to train hard, just get over the track and let her see the surroundings. We'll school in the paddock a lot, just walk through it and let her stand a little bit; that we'll do almost every day."



This will be the fourth trip to the Breeders' Cup since 2010 for Fawkes, who won in his debut with Big Drama. He was also sixth and seventh, respectively, with Apriority and Big Drama in the 2011 Sprint, and sixth with Bahamian Squall   in the 2013 Sprint.



Florida-bred Sheer Drama has finished first or second in all seven starts this year, including victories in the Personal Ensign, Delaware Handicap (gr. I) and Royal Delta (gr. II).



"You've got to bring 110%," Fawkes said of the Breeders' Cup. "The guys that are there, they're good horse trainers. Every single one of them, and they all know how to win. Whenever you bring big money, you better bring your big horse. It would be great (to win), absolutely; just wonderful."