Juvenile Fillies Turf Pre-Entries Strong

After the victories the past two years in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr. I) by European invaders Flotilla and Chriselliam, who mowed down the best America had to offer with electrifying stretch runs, the question this year is can the Americans turn back what promises to be another strong European challenge?

The depth of talent this year is unprecedented with 19 fillies pre-entered.

Heading the Euro force will be group III winners Osaila, trained by Richard Hannon, and Qualify, from the always powerful Ballydoyle team of Aidan O’Brien. In addition, the stakes-placed Prize Exhibit and dual winner War Alert also will be heading to Santa Anita Park. 

The group III-placed Sivoliere, previously trained in France, will be making her U.S. debut under the care of Chad Brown, who has pre-entered four fillies. They include the exciting and undefeated Lady Eli, who has demonstrated a turn of foot to match the Europeans in both her races. Her victory in the Miss Grillo Stakes (gr. IIIT) was spectacular as she drew off in a flash to win by three lengths.

If the Europeans can knock off the Americans again it will be a major accomplishment, considering the strength of the home team. In addition to Lady Eli, Brown has pre-entered the stakes-winning Partisan Politics and stakes-placed Tammy the Torpedo. California's chances may be headed by Del Mar Debutante (gr. I) and Sorrento Stakes (gr. II) winner Sunset Glow, who finished a strong second in the Albany Stakes (Eng-III) at Royal Ascot.

Two other strong contenders are Rainha Da Bateria and Quality Rocks, the one-two finishers in the JPMorgan Chase Jessamine Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Keeneland, and the leading 2-year-old filly in Canada, Conquest Harlanate, winner of the grade II Natalma Stakes and grade III Mazarine Stakes.