Top Decile Under Radar for Juvenile Fillies
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Peace and War created a stir when she went from last to first in the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland in early October, but she sustained a ligament tear and was forced to bypass the 14 Hands Winery Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park.
Klaravich Stable and William Lawrence's Top Decile raced pretty well herself in the Alcibiades when she also rallied from far back, took the lead late, and was passed by the winner just before the wire. Despite that strong second-place finish in only her second start, Top Decile hasn't attracted much attention.
Top Decile, a 2-year-old filly by Congrats , arrived at Santa Anita Oct. 28 and galloped Oct. 29-30. She will do so again Oct. 31, according to trainer Al Stall Jr.
"Everything is really great with her," Stall said. "She's right on schedule and we've been doing this long enough that we don't mind being left alone by the media. She's fine right now and I'm happy."
Stall said Top Decile didn't break well in the Alcibiades even though she hasn't displayed gate issues.
"It was odd because she's a good gate horse, so I'm not worried about that this time," he said. "She has worked a bunch of times since and she's a very smart horse who takes care of herself. I expect a big effort. We're going in to win, and that's the way we're treating her right now."
Top Decile, who broke her maiden sprinting in her career debut at Saratoga Race Course in August, drew post 11 in a field of 12 for the 1 1/16-mile Juvenile Fillies. She will be ridden by Rosie Napravnik, who was aboard for her previous two starts.