Close Hatches, Untapable Take Aim at Distaff

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After finishing fourth as the 1-5 favorite in the Spinster Stakes (gr. I) Keeneland, Juddmonte Farms' Close Hatches will try to bounce back in the $2 million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) Oct. 31 at Santa Anita Park.

That fourth-place effort Oct. 5 snapped a four-race win streak for the 4-year-old First Defence   filly that included scores in three grade I races. Close Hatches, one of a dozen fillies and mares pre-entered in the Distaff, finished second to Beholder in last year's edition.

Beholder had figured to be the favorite in this year's Distaff but her connections decided against the 1 1/8-mile race after the two-time champion had an ill-timed high body temperature Oct. 19.

One of the many accomplished fillies awaiting Close Hatches will be top 3-year-old Untapable, who would face older rivals for the first time. The daughter of Tapit   boasts three grade I victories this year against other 3-year-old fillies.

2014 Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) Pre-Entries
Horse Owner Trainer Notes
Belle Gallantey Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stables, Gary Aisquith Rudy Rodriguez  
Close Hatches Juddmonte Farms, Inc. William I. Mott  
Don't Tell Sophia Philip A. Sims, Jerry Namy Philip A. Sims  
Iotapa Hronis Racing LLC John W. Sadler  
L'Amour de Ma Vie Pegasus Farms Ltd. Pia Brandt  
Parranda Gilbert G. Campbell, D Clark, Gatto Racing LLC, Jerry Hollendorfer, Greg Skoda Jerry Hollendorfer First Preference: Filly and Mare Turf
Ria Antonia Loooch Racing Stable, Chris Dunn Thomas M. Amoss  
Stanwyck Mr. & Mrs. Jerome S. Moss John A. Shirreffs  
Tiz Midnight Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson , Paul Weitman Bob Baffert  
Unbridled Forever Charles E. Fipke Dallas Stewart  
Untapable Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC Steven M. Asmussen  
Valiant Emilia Teneri Farm Inc. Gary Mandella