Royal Delta: A Super-Horse

With some paragraphs drawn from "Breeders' Cup 2012: Highlights" (11/10/12) and "The Pedigree of a Champion: Royal Delta" (7/24/12)

Standing along the wall that lines the tunnel through which horses enter the track for the post parade at Santa Anita Park, I held my breath in anticipation for the grand fillies that would soon grace my vision. I’d seen them all before, whether it be at a previous Breeders’ Cup or at the morning works, or perhaps both, but something about the moment left me breathless as I eagerly waited for the field for the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI) to emerge from the tunnel, their necks arched as their fierce jockeys sat aboard them, the call to post sounding as they pranced onto the dirt oval.

And suddenly the classy field stepped out of the darkness of the tunnel and into my vision. My eyes took in some of the best female racehorses on the planet, including the undefeated champions My Miss Aurelia and Awesome Feather – two of my personal favorites.

Royal Delta
Photo by Mary Cage

But just behind Awesome Feather was Royal Delta – the horse that took my breath away. I focused my vision on her, watching her in awe as she and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith sauntered onto the track. I was left in absolute wonder of the reigning champion, feeling a chill as she gazed right at me, inches from me as she strolled through the tunnel.

Royal Delta broke cleanly from the sixth gate, the same slot from which she’d captured the previous year’s Ladies’ Classic at Churchill Downs. She then proceeded to take the lead, with pressure from multiple grade one winners Include Me Out and Love and Pride to her outside. The reigning champion maintained a minor advantage as she led the field into the clubhouse turn, Mike Smith sitting stationary aboard her.

In awe, I discovered that the initial quarter-mile Royal Delta had recorded was 22.69 – the fastest first quarter in the Ladies’ Classic (Distaff) since the fraction set by Bear Now in the 2007 Distaff, won by Ginger Punch. Despite the brisk pace, Royal Delta appeared comfortable on the front-end, with Love and Pride and Include Me Out hot on her heels.

Royal Delta, who’d never won from the front-end before, shocked me yet again, posting a half-mile time of 45.81. With worry and astonishment, I whispered to my mother, “If she holds on, she’s a super-horse.” I couldn’t help but realize the parallels my statement formed with race caller Trevor Denman’s words as Zenyatta turned for home in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI).

In spite of the blistering fractions she was setting, Royal Delta continued to lead the star-studded field as the Thoroughbreds entered the final curve. Love and Pride breathed down Royal Delta’s neck as My Miss Aurelia began to accelerate behind the reigning victress, the track bending as the far turn gave way to the homestretch.

Mike Smith began to ask his mount to commence her run and Royal Delta responded, lowering her head as the others chased after her. Down the stretch, Include Me Out and My Miss Aurelia gained on her, threatening her lead as they raced under the shadow of the grandstand. But Royal Delta called upon all her class and dug deep, leaving me beaming as she crossed the wire to defend her title in a valiant effort.

Royal Delta winning the Ladies' Classic
Photo by Terri Cage

Her trip back to the frontside was an unforgettable moment. Each winner had been applauded and cheered for upon its return to the winner’s circle, but the stands roared in admiration for Royal Delta and as the grand filly trotted up beneath a jubilant Mike Smith, I found myself crying tears of joy as the magnificent Royal Delta traveled before me, receiving the blanket of flowers for her outstanding victory.

So what makes Royal Delta the tremendous champion she is? Of course, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott has quite a bit to do with it, as well as the accomplished jockeys who have ridden her. But her success is, in large part, due to her breeding. Foaled in Kentucky on February 2, 2008, Royal Delta’s bloodlines certainly are royal.

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

Bred by Palides Investments N.V., Inc., Royal Delta is sired by Empire Maker, who won three grade ones throughout his career, including the Belmont Stakes (GI). In that Belmont, Empire Maker spoiled the Triple Crown bid of Funny Cide, a horse he had finished second to in the Kentucky Derby (GI). Empire Maker has not only produced Royal Delta, but also the grade one-winning Derby runner-ups like himself, Bodemeister and Pioneerof the Nile. The Juddmonte homebred is also the sire of the additional grade one winners Acoma, Country Star, Grace Hall, Icon Project, and Mushka.

Empire Maker is a son of the brilliant racehorse and sire Unbridled, who is a tremendous sire of sires. Other sons of the dual-classic winner that have gone on to be successful stallions include Broken Vow, Grindstone, and, of course, Unbridled’s Song. This is the Mr. Prospector sire line, which has interestingly produced the last five winners of the Ladies’ Classic.

Royal Delta is out of a mare that was quite successful at the track in Delta Princess. The mare, who was actually trained by Bill Mott as well, won three grade three races on the turf. Delta Princess is also the dam of Empire Way, a graded stakes-placed colt. Delta Princess herself is out of a productive broodmare, being a daughter of a mare who also yielded the grade/group one-winning runners Biondetti and Indy Five Hundred, in addition to the sire A.P. Delta. Intriguingly, Royal Delta’s third dam, the multiple grade one-winning Proud Delta, was the Champion Older Mare of 1976.

Why stop there? It must not be ignored that Royal Delta’s broodmare sire is the greatA.P. Indy, who is a renowned sire and sire of sires. Yet, he is also a productive damsire, having sired the dams of such grade one winners as Bluegrass Cat, Mr. Sidney, Plum Pretty, Super Saver, and Wait a While. As if his roll of grade one winners produced as a broodmare sire wasn’t impressive enough, A.P. Indy has been among the top twenty-five damsires on the continent for the past six years, peaking at number four last year.

Notably, the sire of Royal Delta’s second dam is the great Lyphard, a son of Northern Dancer who was the leading sire in not just North America, but France and Great Britain as well. The sire of 115 stakes winners, Lyphard was the broodmare sire of such grade one winners as Hatoof, Passinetti, and Skimming.

Royal Delta has the true makings of a champion. Her pedigree, combined with her charisma, brilliance, and accomplished connections, aid her in being a tremendous racehorse – one that delights fans with her triumphs and appeal. With hopes and dreams attached, I find myself very grateful that her connections plan to bring this outstanding Thoroughbred back for one more year of her career. And once Royal Delta’s spectacular days at the track are over, we can only hope that her remarkable bloodlines hold up in assisting her in producing more Thoroughbreds like herself.

Mike Smith aboard Royal Delta following the 2012 Ladies' Classic
Photo by Terri Cage

The 2012 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic

By Mary Cage

Ask any racing fan what race they view as the most competitive of this year’s Breeders’ Cup and there is a very good chance that their answer will be the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI). Featuring a field loaded with fillies and mares – including three champions that already have Breeders’ Cup triumphs to their credit – ready for the fight of their lives, this race could go down in the history books as one of the greatest Breeders’ Cup races to ever be run.

Royal Delta

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

The reigning victress of the Ladies’ Classic, Royal Delta began 2012 on a sour note, being soundly defeated in a graded stakes at Gulfstream prior to suffering a difficult journey and loss in the Dubai World Cup (GI). However, she returned to the United States with a flourish, running away with the Fleur de Lis Handicap (GII) at Churchill Downs by 8 lengths. Following a hard-fought victory in the Delaware Handicap (GII), Royal Delta finished second to Love and Pride in the Personal Ensign Stakes (GI) at Saratoga, resurging in the final stages of the race despite appearing seemingly done.

But next out, the champion proved her dominance. In the Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI), a race in which she’d been left in the wake of eventual Horse of the Year Havre de Grace last year, Royal Delta crushed the field – which included the grade one-winning It’s Tricky – by an astounding 9 ½ lengths. Treating the race like an everyday gallop, Royal Delta was kept under wraps by Mike Smith in the stretch.

When Royal Delta brings her A-game, the champion appears invincible. As the defending champion of the Ladies’ Classic, this is her race to lose and though she has never started over Santa Anita’s surface, she has a huge advantage with Mike Smith aboard. Without a doubt, she will have her work cut out for her amongst such remarkable opponents, but if she’s on her best game, Royal Delta will be difficult to beat.

Awesome Feather

One of three previous Breeders’ Cup champions in this race, Awesome Feather conquered the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) at Churchill Downs. Plagued by injuries, this undefeated filly has only raced four times since then. Altogether, Awesome Feather has captured these four victories by a combined 24 ¼ lengths.

Awesome Feather
Photo by Terri Cage

Awesome Feather’s only graded stakes victory among her four outings since her Breeders’ Cup triumph came in the Gazelle Stakes (GI) at Aqueduct last November, in which she defeated a field that included Love and Pride by 5 ¼ lengths. Following a dominant victory in the Florida Sunshine Millions Distaff Stakes, Awesome Feather was sidelined again, but returned in September in the Nasty Storm Stakes at Belmont. In stunning fashion, the Chad Brown trainee ran her flawless record to ten victories en route to a jaw-dropping 11 ¼-length romp in an impressive final time of 1:33.47 for one mile.

Over the past two years, Awesome Feather has been very lightly raced and has only contested against grade one company once. However, there is a certainly quality to this filly that makes her a very dangerous competitor: her sheer brilliance. I believe we do not yet know just how good Awesome Feather is.

My Miss Aurelia

A filly I have followed since her maiden, My Miss Aurelia is another undefeated champion entered in the Ladies’ Classic. Winner of last year’s Juvenile Fillies, My Miss Aurelia was sidelined due to injury following her spectacular win under the Twin Spires last November and, like Awesome Feather, has only been seen a handful of times since then. In fact, My Miss Aurelia has only raced twice since being crowned Champion Two-Year-Old Filly, having returned to the races this August.

My Miss Aurelia
Photo by Terri Cage

That return came in the Mandys Gold Stakes at Saratoga, which My Miss Aurelia won by 3 lengths going six furlongs. Next out, she faced Questing – who was coming off two spectacular grade one victories at the Spa – in the Cotillion Stakes (GI) at Parx. In a stirring stretch battle, My Miss Aurelia prevailed by a head to keep her undefeated record intact.

My Miss Aurelia is one of the most talented horses I have seen firsthand and I find it very impressive that she was able to reel in Questing in her second race after a layoff, though she did not carry as much weight. It is worrisome that My Miss Aurelia is entering the Breeders’ Cup off of such a tough race that was just her second since her return, but the filly appears to be in great condition. Another worry is that perhaps the nine-furlong distance of the Ladies’ Classic is a bit too far for her. However, this is My Miss Aurelia and I will never doubt her talent. It will be interesting to see how she fares against this star-studded field.

Questing

This Kiaran McLaughlin trainee began her career in the United Kingdom and following a fifth-place finish in last year’s Juvenile Fillies, Questing began her sophomore campaign with mediocre performances in allowance optional claiming events prior to an easy breakthrough win at that level.

Questing
Photo by Terri Cage

But then we saw the filly she had transformed into. Questing dived back into the grade one pool with a splash, galloping to an easy 4 ¼-length victory in the Coaching Club American Oaks (GI) at Saratoga despite drifting out in the stretch. Proving that this was no fluke, Questing annihilated rivals next out in the Alabama Stakes (GI), running erratically in the stretch yet again but capturing the race by an imposing 9 lengths in an impressive final time of 2:01.29 for ten furlongs.

Questing fell a head short to My Miss Aurelia in her successive start, the Cotillion Stakes. Rather than setting the pace as she had in her past two victories, Questing settled off the leader and while carrying seven pounds less than My Miss Aurelia, she missed by a head after a gutsy stretch duel.

It seems that Questing has been forgotten since her winning streak was snapped, but this filly should certainly not be erased from memory. She is absolutely brilliant and can use her speed as a deadly weapon. As a filly with both speed and stamina, Questing will play a large role in the outcome of the Ladies’ Classic.

Love and Pride

A daughter of the great A.P. Indy, Love and Pride commenced 2012 on the right note, dominating a stakes at Aqueduct by 7 lengths. Following three defeats in graded company – two of which were runner-up finishes – Love and Pride broke through with her first graded stakes victory, winning the Obeah Stakes (GIII) by nearly two lengths over Tiz Miz Sue, who would give Royal Delta a run for her money next out in the Delaware Handicap. However, Love and Pride crossed the wire fourth in the “Del Cap.”

But she avenged that loss with her first grade one victory in her subsequent race, defeating Royal Delta by a half-length in the Personal Ensign Handicap (GI). However, it must be pointed out that Royal Delta was carrying ten pounds more than Love and Pride, who then shipped west for a trip around Santa Anita’s dirt oval, easily winning the Zenyatta Stakes (GI) by 3 ¼ lengths after setting the pace.

Love and Pride seems to be underestimated by many, but I give her a good chance in this race. After all, she is a dual grade one winner with a victory at Santa Anita already under her belt. However, the Ladies’ Classic will be a very tall task for her and she will have to pull out all the stops to secure a victory.

Include Me Out

Arguably the best female Thoroughbred on the West Coast this year, Include Me Out won her first three starts in 2012 – all of which came in graded stakes. Not only did one of these triumphs include a romp in the Santa Margarita Invitational Stakes (GI), but two of these victories came at Santa Anita.

After finishing second in the Vanity Handicap (GI) at Hollywood Park, Include Me Out displayed her determination with a conquest of the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (GI) at Del Mar prior running third in the Zenyatta. But this loss should not be held against her, as Include Me Out has been tremendously consistent this year and has plenty of experience over the dirt track at Santa Anita. Despite the fact that she will be facing three champions and several other brilliant fillies and mares, Include Me Out should not be ignored.

Grace Hall

One of the best two-year-old fillies in the nation last year, Grace Hall’s final start as a two-year-old resulted in a second-place finish behind My Miss Aurelia in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Following a narrow loss in her 2012 debut, Grace Hall romped in the Gulfstream Oaks (GII) in preparation for the Kentucky Oaks (GI), in which she finished third.

Grace Hall did not race for two months after the Kentucky Oaks, but returned with an easy win in the Delaware Oaks (GII). However, the filly finished fifth as the beaten favorite in the Alabama, crossing the wire 31 lengths behind Questing. But she then reverted to her dominant winning ways, capturing the Indiana Oaks (GII) by 5 ¾ lengths.

Grace Hall is certainly among the best in her division, but when pitted against the very best, she has failed to turn in her best performance. She is undoubtedly a gifted athlete capable of tremendous performances, but I do not believe she will win the Ladies’ Classic.

The Ladies’ Classic certainly has a plethora of suspense and excitement surrounding it, offering one of the best fields of the entire 2012 Breeders’ Cup. I can envision many outcomes to this race, as it has gathered one of the best groups I have ever seen in a Breeders’ Cup event. I will give the nod to Royal Delta, but certainly would not be surprised to see Awesome Feather, My Miss Aurelia, or Questing enter the winner’s enclosure following this race. In addition, I am expecting good performances from Love and Pride and Include Me Out and certainly will not forget about Grace Hall. Regardless of how this race plays out, I am surely looking forward to it and will revel in the presence of these spectacular fillies.

Breeders' Cup Divisional Rankings 9/24/12

Countdown to­_­ Breeders’ Cup: 38 Days!

It’s inching closer and closer! Many divisions are shaping up to be very exciting and a few divisions have certainly been shaken up after this past week’s races. Yet again, several divisions were difficult to rank, especially the Ladies' Classic, which I believe should be run on Breeders' Cup Saturday the way it's shaping up!

Below is my second edition of my divisional rankings for all Breeders’ Cup races (as of September 24). I am now featuring five horses per division rather than four.

Photo by Terri Cage

Juvenile Sprint

1. Handsome Jack
2. Scherer Magic

3. Special Jo

4. Goldencents

5. Drum Roll

Marathon

1. Jakkalberry*

2. Eldaafer

3. Not Abroad

4. Brown Panther

5. Calidoscopio

Juvenile Fillies Turf

1. Sky Lantern

2. Spring Venture

3. Watsdachances

4. Spring in the Air

5. Funfair

Juvenile Fillies

1. Dreaming of Julia

2. So Many Ways

3. Executiveprivilege

4. Kauai Katie*

5. Beholder

Filly & Mare Turf

1. Snow Fairy*

2. The Fugue

3. Izzi Top

4. Zagora

5. Stephanie’s Kitten

Ladies’ Classic

1. Awesome Feather

2. My Miss Aurelia

3. Questing

4. Royal Delta

5. Include Me Out

Juvenile Turf

1. Dawn Approach

2. First Cornerstone

3. Balance the Books

4. Brown Almighty

5. Joha

Filly & Mare Sprint

1. Groupie Doll

2. Contested

3. Winding Way

4. Dust and Diamonds

5. Judy the Beauty

Sprint

1. Amazombie

2. Emcee*

3. Capital Account

4. Coil

5. Fort Loudon

Turf Sprint

1. Fire Lily

2. Bated Breath

3. California Flag

4. Caracortado

5. Strong Suit

Dirt Mile

1. To Honor and Serve*

2. Shackleford

3. Rail Trip*

4. Tapizar

5. Bourbon Courage

Turf

1. Nathaniel
2. St. Nicholas Abbey
3. Point of Entry

4. Dullahan*

5. Acclamation

Juvenile

1. Shanghai Bobby
2. Know More
3. Fortify
4. Micromanage
5. Noble Tune

Mile

1. Wise Dan*
2. Excelebration
3. Cityscape
4. Moonlight Cloud
5. Little Mike

Classic

1. Game On Dude
2. Mucho Macho Man
3. Ron the Greek
4. Fort Larned

5. Hymn Book

*may opt for a different division (if a horse's connections are considering multiple races, I will only rank the horse in a single division)

Breeders' Cup Divisional Rankings 9/19/12

Photo by Terri Cage

Can you believe it? In just 43 days, the Breeders’ Cup will bring to life a clash of titans of the Thoroughbred racing world at Santa Anita. It’s an understatement to say that I am very excited for this year’s Breeders’ Cup, at which I’ll be able to see some of the greatest horses in the world in person yet again!

Below is my first edition of my divisional rankings for all Breeders’ Cup races. I am certain things will change between this post and my final divisional ranking post before the Breeders’ Cup and could very well change after this weekend's races!

Juvenile Sprint

1. Bern Identity
2. Handsome Jack
3. Scherer Magic
4. Goldencents

Marathon

1. Jakkalberry*
2. Eldaafer
3. Not Abroad
4. Calidoscopio

Juvenile Fillies Turf

1. Sky Lantern
2. Spring Venture
3. Watsdachances
4. Spring in the Air

Juvenile Fillies

1. Dreaming of Julia
2. So Many Ways
3. Executiveprivelege
4. Kauai Katie*

Filly & Mare Turf

1. Snow Fairy*
2. The Fugue
3. Izzi Top
4. Zagora

Ladies’ Classic

1. Questing
2. Royal Delta
3. It’s Tricky*
4. Include Me Out

Juvenile Turf

1. Dawn Approach
2. First Cornerstone
3. Balance the Books
4. Brown Almighty

Filly & Mare Sprint

1. Groupie Doll
2. Turbulent Descent
3. Contested
4. Winding Way

Sprint

1. Amazombie
2. Emcee*
3. Capital Account
4. The Factor

Turf Sprint

1. Fire Lily
2. Bated Breath
3. California Flag
4. Caracortado

Dirt Mile

1. To Honor and Serve
2. Shackleford
3. Rail Trip
4. Tapizar

Turf

1. Nathaniel
2. St. Nicholas Abbey
3. Point of Entry
4. Dullahan*

Juvenile

1. Shanghai Bobby
2. Rolling Fog
3. Know More
4. Fortify

Mile

1. Wise Dan*
2. Excelebration
3. Cityscape
4. Moonlight Cloud

Classic

1. Game On Dude
2. Mucho Macho Man
3. Ron the Greek
4. Fort Larned

*may opt for a different division (if a horse's connections are considering multiple races, I will only rank the horse in a single division)

This year’s Breeders’ Cup is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting renewal! Each division is quite competitive and some – such as the Juvenile Fillies, Ladies’ Classic, Filly & Mare Sprint, Mile, and Classic – appear very contentious. Considering there is a multitude of horses I had to exclude (such as Stephanie's Kitten, Musical Romance, and Little Mike), it only strengthens my belief that this will be a very strong Breeders’ Cup. Its approach becomes more and more exciting each and every day!

The Pedigree of a Champion: Royal Delta

What is the definition of a champion? Well, in horse racing, often a horse that is honored with an Eclipse Award. But to me, a champion is any horse that captures fans’ hearts and imaginations while inspiring them. A champion is no ordinary being. A champion is a hero. A champion is worth going through troubles to see. A champion will light up your eyes and bring a smile to your face. *^{See footnote}

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

Royal Delta fits each of those definitions. The 2011 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI) winner was honored with the Eclipse Award for Champion Three-Year-Old Filly following a sophomore campaign that saw her capture three graded stakes races – two of which were grade ones. Yes, she is a champion by the horse racing definition, but she is also a champion in that she has captured the hearts and imaginations of many racing fans.

It’s easy to see why Royal Delta is so popular with race fans. When she’s on the top of her game she puts on a spectacular show, either displaying her brilliance with dominant victories or showing her grit and determination to prevail. Perhaps her action is not the most attractive, but at a standstill or in the post parade, Royal Delta is a great example of a stunning Thoroughbred.

But what makes her the tremendous Eclipse Award-winning champion she is? Of course, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott has quite a bit to do with it, as well as the accomplished jockeys who have ridden her. But her success is, in large part, due to her breeding. Foaled in Kentucky on February 2, 2008, Royal Delta’s bloodlines certainly are royal.

Bred by Palides Investments N.V., Inc., Royal Delta is sired by Empire Maker, who won three grade ones throughout his career, including the Belmont Stakes (GI). In that Belmont, Empire Maker spoiled the Triple Crown bid of Funny Cide, a horse he had finished second to in the Kentucky Derby (GI). Empire Maker has not only produced Royal Delta, but also the grade one-winning Derby runner-ups like himself, Bodemeister and Pioneerof the Nile. The Juddmonte homebred is also the sire of the additional grade one winners Acoma, Country Star, Grace Hall, Icon Project, and Mushka.

Empire Maker is a son of the brilliant racehorse and sire Unbridled, who is a tremendous sire of sires. Other sons of the dual-classic winner that have gone on to be successful stallions include Broken Vow, Grindstone, and, of course, Unbridled’s Song. This is the Mr. Prospector sire line, which has interestingly produced the last four winners of the Ladies’ Classic.

Royal Delta is out of a mare that was quite successful at the track in Delta Princess. The mare, who was actually trained by Bill Mott as well, won three grade three races on the turf. Delta Princess is also the dam of Empire Way, a graded stakes-placed colt. Delta Princess herself is out of a productive broodmare, being a daughter of a mare who also yielded the grade/group one-winning runners Biondetti and Indy Five Hundred, in addition to the sire A.P. Delta. Intriguingly, Royal Delta’s third dam, the multiple grade one-winning Proud Delta, was the Champion Older Mare of 1976.

Why stop there? It must not be ignored that Royal Delta’s broodmare sire is the great A.P. Indy, who is a renowned sire and sire of sires. Yet, he is also a productive damsire, having sired the dams of such grade one winners as Bluegrass Cat, Mr. Sidney, Plum Pretty, Super Saver, and Wait a While. As if his roll of grade one winners produced as a broodmare sire wasn’t impressive enough, A.P. Indy has been among the top twenty-five damsires on the continent for the past six years, peaking at number four last year.

A.P. Indy
Photo by Terri Cage

Notably, the sire of Royal Delta’s second dam is the great Lyphard, a son of Northern Dancer who was the leading sire in not just North America, but France and Great Britain as well. The sire of 115 stakes winners, Lyphard was the broodmare sire of such grade one winners as Hatoof, Passinetti, and Skimming.

Royal Delta has the true makings of a champion. Her pedigree, combined with her charisma, brilliance, and accomplished connections, aid her in being a tremendous racehorse – one that delights fans with her triumphs and appeal. With hopes and dreams attached, we await the rest of this spectacular filly’s racing career and once it is over, we can only hope that her remarkable bloodlines hold up in assisting her in producing more Thoroughbreds like herself.

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

*Sentences 4-7 from my post “To See a Champion,” dated September 30, 2011

As for Royal Delta, I believe her gritty win in the July 21 Delaware Handicap (GII) was much more impressive than people are giving her credit for. She should not be knocked for the short margin of victory over a mare claimed to be mediocre, as Tiz Miz Sue is not only a classy graded stakes winner, but Royal Delta was carrying TEN more pounds than her. In addition, Royal Delta showed what I view as the most important characteristic in a racehorse: heart.

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Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic

With super-mare Havre de Grace attempting to follow in the footsteps of Zenyatta by  running in the Classic rather than the Ladies’ Classic and Blind Luck likely retired, the appeal of the Ladies’ Classic turns to the three-year-old fillies. The sophomore fillies have battled it out, either defeating each other by narrow margins or dominating each other. The Ladies’ Classic will likely decide the filly that will be awarded the Eclipse Award for Champion Three-Year-Old Filly.

1. Plum Pretty: The Kentucky Oaks (GI) winner is returning to the place of her greatest victory. Just like the Oaks, the Ladies’ Classic will be run over a mile and one-eighth on the Churchill Downs main track. The filly, who worked six furlongs in 1:12.40 on October 24, will likely be the favorite for the Ladies’ Classic.

The daughter of Medaglia d’Oro kicked off her career on October 27, 2010 in a maiden race at Oak Tree at Hollywood Park, winning by a head. At the beginning of her three-year-old year, Plum Pretty finished third in both the Santa Ynez Stakes (GII) and Las Virgenes Stakes (GI) at Santa Anita. Then came an absolute monster performance. In her final prep for the Kentucky Oaks, the bay filly won the Sunland Park Oaks by an incredible 25 lengths.

Sent off as the fourth choice in the Kentucky Oaks, Plum Pretty lasted in the final yards to win by a neck despite a rough start. Next time out, Plum Pretty finished second to Zazu, who I believe is the best three-year-old filly in the country, in the Hollywood Oaks (GII).

Her trainer, Bob Baffert, then brought her out to the East Coast. Plum Pretty finished a game second to It’s Tricky, who would become her rival, in the TVG Coaching Club American Oaks (GI) before her start in the mile and one-quarter Alabama Stakes (GI), in which she tired to finish fourth.

Then came a resurgence. In the Cotillion Stakes (GII) at Parx Racing, Plum Pretty defeated her rival It’s Tricky by 7 ½ lengths. It could be described as a monster performance. We all know what Plum Pretty did last time after a monster performance: she won the Kentucky Oaks.

2. It’s Tricky: Not all horses fit their name, but It’s Tricky does. The daughter of Mineshaft is known for her tricky behavior. She bites, she kicks, and she even throws her jockey off before being led into the winner’s circle. However, she is extremely talented on the track.

Out of graded stakes-winning Catboat, It’s Tricky wheeled off three wins at Aqueduct at the beginning of her career, including the Busher Stakes. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin then shipped her to Gulfstream Park in Florida to run in the Gulfstream Oaks (GII). It’s Tricky didn’t have it that day and finished fourth.

She returned to New York, making her first start in two months in the TVG Acorn Stakes (GI) on Belmont day. She impressed many that day, defeating Turbulent Descent on a muddy track by nearly four lengths. In the CCA Oaks, she made it two wins in a row, defeating Plum Pretty by three-quarters of a length.

After those two wins came two second place finishes. McLaughlin has been working the filly at the half-mile distance. In her most recent breeze, It’s Tricky turned in an official time of 49.43 at Belmont Park. The filly will face a tough task in the Breeders’ Cup, but she is always one to watch out for.

3. Royal Delta: The three-year-old daughter of grade three-winner Delta Princess is coming into the Breeders’ Cup after a crushing defeat in the Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI). However, she won’t be a long shot. The horse that beat her by 8 ¼ lengths last out was Havre de Grace. Royal Delta still ran her race and finished second, crossing the wire nearly six lengths ahead of the third place-finisher.

Royal Delta broke her maiden on October 30, 2010 as a two-year-old, winning by 12 lengths. She began 2011 at Tampa Bay Downs in March in the Suncoast Stakes, running a very disappointing ninth. She rebounded a month later in an allowance at Keeneland, drawing away by three lengths for the victory. Then the filly by Empire Maker made herself known. The day before the Preakness, she won the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GII) by 2 ½ lengths despite drifting towards the rail.

After missing the Mother Goose Stakes (GI) due to a foot bruise, Royal Delta returned in the CCA Oaks. She was no match for It’s Tricky and Plum Pretty that day and finished third. Trainer Bill Mott believed that she’d run too far off the pace.

It all changed in the Alabama a month later. Sent off at odds of 5-1, Royal Delta exploded in the stretch to win by 5 ½ lengths despite lugging in sharply in reaction to the whip. Her second place finish in the Beldame followed that dominating win.

However, I worry that Royal Delta’s win in the Alabama was exaggerated. The distance of a mile and one-quarter was farther than any of the fillies had traveled. The final quarter of a mile in that race was 26.08, a very slow time. Royal Delta, by a Belmont Stakes winner and out of a mare that won route races on the turf, was likely more prepared than the other fillies to run the distance, mostly because of her breeding and because she was fresher than the others. She will need to give it everything she has come Breeders’ Cup weekend, but she seems to be capable of doing so.

4. Ultra Blend: This five-year-old California-bred mare has not finished off the board this year. However, her start in the Breeders’ Cup will be her only start outside of California. That is definitely something to worry about, but this mare seems to have plenty of talent.

Ultra Blend’s first start of the year was a third in the Sunshine Millions Distaff Stakes, in which she finished behind Evening Jewel and Amazing. She reeled off three consecutive wins after that: the first two in state-bred stakes and the third in the Milady Handicap (GII) , in which Ultra Blend got moved into first after St. Trinians was disqualified.

Her performance in the Milady began her journey in graded stakes races. Ultra Blend missed out on a win in the A Gleam Handicap (GII) when she rallied to miss by a nose to Irish Gypsy. Three weeks later, Ultra Blend showed everyone what she was made of by defeating a strong group of fillies and mares, including Zazu, in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (GI). Zazu got the best of her next time out in the Lady’s Secret Stakes (GI), but the John Sadler trainee is out of the Breeders’ Cup with shoulder inflammation.

Not only does Ultra Blend have talent, but she is an underdog. The five-year-old started off her career in claiming races before quickly climbing the ranks. It’s not often that a winner of state-bred stakes races goes on to win a grade one, let alone run in the Breeders’ Cup.

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