Will youth be served in the $3M Breeders’ Bowl Distaff ?

California (CA)  Saturday, November 4, 2017 — 2:30 PM EST | Race ID : 1778430
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BREEDERS   BOWL   DISTAFF
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Grade I / Group 1*CPU – Purse : $3,000,000  –  3 Years and Older, Fillies and Mares
9  Furlongs | ~1800 Meters | One Mile and and One Eighth                             Fast  Dirt
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From Del Mar race course on the Del Mar peninsula in sunny,  southern California,  on the undercard of one of the biggest days in our sport,  we bring you the G1 Breeders’ Bowl Distaff.  Contested at nine furlongs (or about 1800 meters for the metrically inclined) on what should be a fast dirt oval,  a full field of fourteen graded winning  females,  half of them three year old upstarts,  will vie for the winner’s share of the $3,000,000 purse on tap,  and for the lasting glory of achieving a Breeders’ Bowl triumph.
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We have nine G1 champions,  four G2 victors and a G3 winner;  half the field are million plus earners and the other half have earned over half a million each;  and there’s a slew of top SIM trainers all pursuing the same result.  We’ve had some success in the past with the “cooler of  beer on the back stretch” ploy,  and it worked fairly well again as we were able to get some keen insight into many of the runners in what looks to be a  very competitive,  intriguing affair.
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Who do we run into as we entered the grounds,  none other than kashbarn (aka roxyken).  As this is one of his busiest times of the year,  he kept right on choogling along,  even refusing the free beer offer.  Ken has two going in the Distaff,  top ranked five year old Kash Storm,  one of the keen contenders,  and promising three year old Kash O’War,  a from the clouds closer who takes a shot.  Good luck Ken.
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The other dual entry is from two of the formidable “evil empire” barns of lenny271.  Five year old Widow’s Colony was 6th in this event last year,  and four year old Widow’s War just missed getting her first G1 victory last out.  Lenny was more than happy to share a few cold ones and talk up his runners.
BTB: How do you like your chances in the Distaff?
Lenny:  ” If the race was at 8 or 8.5 furlongs, I think I’d have two of the favorites. I’m a mid-to-long shot at best as it is, but in the Sim you never know. Widow’s Colony ran decent last year and is probably a touch too old for this race, but her prep made me give her one final shot. Widow’s War has been very good lately and might be in the best shape she can be to get a questionable distance. Should be fun”.  Best of luck Lenny.
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As we continued our way through the back stretch,  the beer cooler idea clicked again when we encountered another top notch SIM trainer,  dixiedotco,  who relished a couple of cold ones talking up his entry,  Council Of Lords.  He told us “use as much or as little as you wish”.
” It’s an extremely tough race, but I feel like she’s the right type of filly.  3yo, lightly raced, improving, just hitting her prime.  I feel like her only two subpar races this year, she has excuses for.  One was on an off track, and the other was just a little too far for her.  You take those two out, and you’re looking at 4 wins and a 2nd in a major G1.  She’s going to be a longshot simply because the speed figures overall are a little light, but her last points her out as a contender.  And I’d be surprised if she didn’t take yet another step forward”.  This could be a good play in the weekly tipping contest,  as dixiedotco has a long SIM career of getting his runners ready for the big ones.  Thanks and good luck.
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No sooner did dixiedotco grab a cold one for the “road”,  we ran into testbarn (Steve) who appreciated the free libations in the face of the warm California weather.  Between swigs,  Steve said “I’m not sure what you are looking for.  I am just taking a shot for a $3 million dollar purse and if by a miracle she pulls it off she could win EOY;  but running Grade I against older is a longshot,  though she did win last out against older”.  We assured testbarn that this was exactly what we were looking for,  and thanked him by leaving a six-pack at his barn.  Good luck,  Steve.
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The canyongate stable (Phil),  trainer of top entry point contender Treacherously II,  was next on our list,  and Phil was quite happy to share about his talented three year old filly.
“Howdy, Phil here.  I’ve been very pleased with her from the start as she jumped into stakes company very early on and handled it well. I was a bit hesitant to run her in the Bluegrass Oaks as her only other try past 8.5 was a disappointment but I don’t get opportunities like that often so I ran her and she responded well. Got a deserved rest after a hard early campaign and prepped beautifully first race back, again at 8.5, but then flopped at 9 once again. Were she to under perform again this weekend she will likely never go past 8.5 again, she seems to relish 8.5 and would have a few nice races to target next year. She’s a stone cold closer so will know when the race hits the halfway point if she’s on her game or not lol.”
” Thanks for helping out with coverage this week!  Through some miracle I have three in BB races…I need to buy a lotto ticket”.  Winning this race may be just as exciting as winning the lottery.  We had to leave a six-pack with Phil after that !
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Good thing we brought the mega cooler with us,  as handing out six-packs was not really planned for,  but could be accommodated.  Padrebri,  owner/trainer of three year old filly Mandated Raid,  hailed us over to the stable as we made our way through the back stretch.  Padrebri ran down his musings in bullet point order between slugs.
“Bred using a favorite little nick of mine (Strong Mandate x Gone West mares)
– 9 furlongs is probably too long for her
– Hoping the long (10f), short (8.5f), middle (9f) pattern of her races has her fire a better race
– Not expecting much as she really hasn’t run well the last 3-4 months but I’ve got to take the shot since the opportunity to run has presented itself
– Probably getting the rest of the year off after this race and then probably focus on shorter races next year. Thinking maybe a run to the F&M Sprint?? Who knows, but think big ! ”
We like your thinking padrebri,  and good luck on race day.  Finish off the six-pack at your leisure.
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We turned the corner and there was nextbonus,  trainer of four year old filly Mind Storms,  with his hand out for a cold one as we approached.  The first one disappeared as quickly as we handed it to him,  and after he started on his second,  nextbonus gave us the lowdown on his entry.  ” Thanks for asking. Mind Storms seems best over a shorter trip. I wanted to enter her in the dirt mile but she lacked enough points to get in so I opted for the Distaff. I haven’t had a Breeders’ Bowl runner for a few years so I figured why not take a shot ? If she can somehow manage to replicate her recent 118 speed figure, maybe she can hit the board”.  Number three followed in rapid succession,  and we left the rest of the six-pack as nextbonus hurried along to his appointed tasks.
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We tried to catch up with some of the other trainers in the race,  but were unsuccessful.  We like to think they had not arrived on the grounds as of yet,  and were not avoiding us.  What we thought was our last interview was with fellow BTB staffer,  spinround,  who was sitting at 14th on the entry list,  waiting out the entry deadline. Said spin, “Right now I am just hoping to make the field. I’m sitting at #14 and you always wonder if someone will bump you at the last minute”.  Unfortunately,  spinround‘s entry got bumped by a late entry – sorry spin !
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Our last interview was with nepenthe,  owner/trainer of three year old filly Guns For Hands.  Nepenthe didn’t need any aid from our cooler to let us know exactly what he’s thinking as he sits in the 14th spot waiting for the official field to be released.
“Well…. I am used to getting knocked out of these events at that last minute. It looks like this race may be the same. Guns for Hands was the 21st horse on the list for the Bluegrass Oaks. I was soooo excited to make it and thought I did until the race card was drawn. She won a rez breeders bowl distaff stakes race and won with a time closely matching the Oaks. Last year I had a very good colt Yer Yellow get knocked out of the Derby in the last few minutes and it created a stir on the forums because a trainer paid for a graded stakes race just a few days before the derby just to get their horse enough points to get to the derby. His horse had no chance after racing a few days prior but it knocked out the best chance I’ve ever had”.  Here’s hoping you get in,  and we’ll leave a couple of six packs with you,  just in case.
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This event appears to be a generational battle between the upstart three year olds and their more accomplished elders.  And this is the time of year when those three year olds strut their stuff,  if they’ve got it.  So, let’s take a closer look at the past performances in post position order and see what the figures may reveal.
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WIDOW’S  WAR                                               KY     4F     lenny25         L Radzinski         5/1
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Leading them out on to the course is the first half of the “evil empire” entry from the lenny271 racing operation.  Bay four year old filly just missed getting her inaugural G1 victory last out at 8.5 furlongs in The Bra Snap over this oval,  bashing a 112 SP# from just off the pace setters.  One back of that,  this scratch bred War Front wailer (by Seattle Slew),  came from mid pack to win the Ratty Saratoga listed stakes at a mile,  blasting a 114 SP#.  Her prior start was a late running score in The Frogs Playing Poker Stakes at 8.5 panels,  banking a 111 SP# moving from seventh of ten.  She was 6th in her only try at this distance,  but recent form is stellar and the extra distance may not be a hindrance.  The handicapper likes her chances,  rating the eighth ranked filly in her division as the slight morning line favorite at 5/1 odds.
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MS  MELFI                                                             KY     3F     dpprofit3         N Armstrong         21/1
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Our first three year old is this light grey filly,  who was a no impact 9th last out in the G1 Three Smokestacks Stakes in the slop at this distance in her first foray against older,  posting a 107 SP#.  Midshipman miss,  out of the graded placed,  stakes winning sim mare Baby Troy (by Capote),  closed well for 2nd one before that,  again in the slop,  in the Button listed stakes at a mile,  pushing a 110 SP# in a mid pack trip.  One back of that she was a never in it 8th in the G1 Sister Hen Stakes at this trip,  pasting a 100 SP# from back in the pack.  Dpprofit3 trainee has won twice at this route and has fared well over this oval;  recent form doesn’t hold up against the contenders,  handicapper seems to concur,  listing her at 21/1 on the tote board.
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KASH  O’WAR                                                     KY     3F     kashbarn3         D Givins         30/1
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Stretch running bay filly is the three year old half of the kashbarn stables entry;  tuned up for this with a fast closing 2nd in an open allowance at 11 panels,  working out a 98 SP# in a four horse field.  Scratch bred War Front whinnyer (by A.P. Indy) motored down the straight for 4th one back of that in the G1 Birmingham Stakes at 10 furlongs,  whacking a 104 SP# moving from last of fourteen.  In her previous outing she may not have cared for the off track when 10th in the G1 Players Club National Oaks,  also at 10 furlongs,  winging a 101 SP# while never a factor.  Tenth ranked filly in her division was 4th at this distance in the G1 Bluegrass Oaks in May,  but will need all her vitamins to kick to be any threat late in the lane in first start with older;  handicapper pegs her at 30/1 on the morning line.
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INTERNET  SENSATION                          KY     4F     gowans2011         F Gossett         6/1
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Tapit tabby,  based on the Eclipse Award winning sim he-mare Tosh (by Distorted Humor),  comes off an even 4th in the G1 The Great Dame at this route,  sticking a 110 SP#.  Light grey four year old filly was also 4th one back of that in the Louisiana Light listed stakes at 8.5 panels,  smacking a 107 SP# in an even run.  One before that she was a good 2nd in the G1 The Very Vane at this trip over this strip,  sizzling a 117 SP# from just off the early pace setters.  Runner from the gowans2011 racing group owns six wins at this distance;  should be tracking the early leaders and try to pounce before the deep closers can get in full gear.  Handicapper gives her a good shot,  rating her as one of the five co-second choices at 6/1 on the morning line.
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TREACHEROUSLY  II                                 KY     3F     canyongate         A Jolly             20/1
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Top ranked three year old filly in her division gets no respect from the handicapper at 20/1 after a tough 6th in the G1 The Bra Snap at 8.5 panels over this oval,  catching a 103 SP# in her first try against her elders.  Lovely brown filly closed with a rush to get the money one back of that in the G3 The Jersey Oaks at 8.5 furlongs,  crashing a 112 SP# moving from eleventh of twelve.  In her prior try she was a fair 5th against the fellas in the G1 Middle Jewel staked at 9.5 furlongs,  cutting a 102 SP# with her usual late move.  Bluegrass Oaks champion from the canyongate barn may have bounced last out off big effort one back;  distance suits,  should be charging late and just may get there for the upset.
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MIND  STORMS                                               KY     4F     australia         N Bonus         7/1
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Distorted Humor duchess out of the sim mare Stamford (by Tapit) tired to 7th in latest,  the G1 The Bra Snap at 8.5 furlongs against some of her foes in here,  floating a 99 SP# without making any impact in her first trip over this oval.  Light grey four year old filly was a nice 3rd in her previous outing in the G3 The Garden Handicap at a mile, flinging a 111 SP# from mid pack.  One before that she beat the boys in the G2 Prims Memorial at 8 panels,  flashing an impressive 118 SP# from back in the pack.  Runner from the australia barn of the sprawling nextbonus stable is oh for two at this distance,  and her SP#’s are moving in the wrong direction leading up to this spot;  if she were to duplicate that 118 effort three back it would put the 9th ranked filly in her division in the thick of things;  handicapper concurs with a 7/1 morning line rating.
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GUNS  FOR  HANDS                                     KY     3F     nepenthe14         R Radzinski         18/1
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The final qualifier for this event is the 11th ranked filly in her division,  and exits a fast closing 3rd in the G2 Cotton Handicap at 8.5 furlongs,  zinging a 108 SP# from way back in the pack.  Empire Maker ewe,  based on the sim he-mare Hueves De Oro (by Bernardini),  was 5th on an off track in the G1 Players Club National Oaks at 10 panels one before that,  zipping a 103 SP# in a mid pack trip.  Striking bay three year old filly was victorious in the G1 Sister Hen Stakes at this route in her prior try,  zapping a 111 SP# moving from the middle of the pack.  Nepenthe14 protege has won three of four starts (with a 2nd) at this distance,  but makes her first start at this venue;  could be a threat in the lane on top try.
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COUNCIL  OF  LORDS                                KY     3F     xpansion9         J White             19/1
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Hailing from the xpansion9 barn of the storied dixideotco racing operation is this roan three year old filly,  who triumphed last out in the G1 The Great Dame at this distance,  crushing a 113 SP# facing her elders for the first time.  Tapit tapper,  out of the stakes placed sim mare Russian Lord (by Kingmambo),  backed up to 5th one before that in the G1 Birmingham Stakes at 10 furlongs,  copping a 103 SP# with her usual trip.  In her previous try she was a close 2nd in the G1 The Sister Hen Stakes to Guns For Hands at this route,  cashing a 111 SP# from not far off the early pace.  She has won four of six tries at this route,  but has never been over this oval;  distance and post suit,  could be the upsetter in a difficult to handicap affair.
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KASH  STORM                                                  KY     5F     kashbred3         K Ledwith         6/1
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The other half of the roxyken entry is this five year old bay mare from the kashbred3 barn,  who seeks her 3rd straight G1 victory (and fourth overall) after taking the Superfilly Handicap at 8.5 panels,  dropping a 110 SP# moving from way back in the pack.  Scratch bred Bernardini bubbala (by Storm Cat) flew home for the win one back of that in the G1 Go For The Gold Stakes at this trip,  drilling a 119 SP# moving from thirteenth of fourteen.  One before that she was a late running 5th in the G2 Fort Lostinthewoods Misery Stakes at 8.5 furlongs,  drawing a 106 SP#.  Deep closer is the top ranked older female in this division,  and is in fine form heading into this spot;  handicapper rates her as one of the five co-second choices at 6/1 on the morning line – the one to beat.
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10
WIDOW’S  COLONY                                     KY     5F     thethumb15         K Banner         6/1
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The other “evil empire” runner is this bay five year old mare,  who got the money last time over in the One Good Steal listed stakes at a mile,  smashing a 111 SP# from just off the pace.  Scratch bred Speightstown sistah (by Pleasant Colony)  was a gaining 5th one back of that in the G1 Suoerfilly Handicap at 8.5 panels,  snagging a 103 SP#.  Her previous start was a so-so 6th in the G! Go For The Gold Stakes at this distance,  snaring a 108 SP# while never a threat.  Seventh ranked female in her division may have seen better days;  she was 6th in this event last year and gives it one more go;  has multiple wins at this distance,  the handicapper still respects her at 6/1 on the morning line for the thethumb15 barn.
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AMERICAN  FATE  TB                                KY     3F     testbarn10         T Ace             23/1
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Fourth ranked in her division,  this bay three year old filly comes off a wire to wire score in the G2 King Classic at 8.5 furlongs,  grabbing a 107 SP# in her first try against older.  Scratch bred American Pharoah athlete (by Miswaki) tired to 6th one before that in the G1 Birmingham Stakes at 10 furlongs,  getting a 102 SP# dueling on the front end.  In her prior run she wired the G1 Players Club National Oaks,  also at 10 furlongs,  garnering a 110 SP# over a “good” surface.  Cuts back in distance and looks to be the main speed;  dangerous front runner could have it all her own way early,  may have enough left to hold on in the stretch for the upset for owner/trainer testbarn10.
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12
MANDATED  RAID                                        KY     3F     padrebri15         B Peeples         31/1
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Our final three year old is this beautiful bay filly,  who tired to last of eight last out in the G1 The Bra Snap at 8.5 furlongs against some of her rivals here,  lucking into a 98 SP# in her first try against her elders.  Strong Mandate stepper,  out of the stakes placed sim mare Crypt Raider (by Gone West),  was a never in it 12th one before that in the G1 Birmingham Stakes at ten furlongs facing others in here,  lasting for a 90 SP#.  She won her previous try in the G2 First State Oaks at 8.5 panels,  lashing a 110 SP# from the middle of the pack.  Padrebri15 protege’s form has been lacking of late;  eighth ranked runner in her division gets no love from the handicapper at 31/1 on the morning line.
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13
WAR  ETIQUETTE                                          KY     4F     megablaze2         M Kelly         6/1
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War Front wiggler,  out of the Eclipse Award winning sim mare Street Etiquette (by Street Cry),  closed with a rush to get 5th in her latest,  the G1  Three Smokestacks Stakes at this route,  wrangling a 113 SP# in the slop.  Bay four year old filly was 2nd best in a restricted allowance at this distance over this oval one back of that,  whacking a 111 SP# moving from last of seven.  One back of that she got underway too late when a gaining 8th in the G1 Go For The Gold Stakes at this distance,  working out a 107 SP# from way back.  Fourth ranked female in her division won a G1 and a G2 at this trip over this strip earlier in the year;  deep closer from the megablaze2 racing group is one of the handicapper’s five co-second choices,  could get the gold firing her best shot.
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14
S I A                                                                                     KY     4F     chloedawg6         M Clooch         6/1
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Last out of the paddock is the 3rd ranked female in her division,  who exits an excellent 2nd in the slop in the G1 Three Smokestacks Stakes at this route,  scalding a 116 SP# from the middle of the pack.  Scratch bred Malibu Moon missus (by Kris S)  got up for 2nd in her prior try in the G1 The Personal Sign at ten furlongs,  stabbing a 109 SP# showing her usual late kick.  In her previous outing she was an OK 4th in the G1 -Go For The Gold Stakes at this trip,  slashing a 110 SP# from mid pack.  Runner from the chloedawg6 barn of the pointblank operation has been getting close lately,  could be sitting on a huge effort;  will need a stellar jockey ride to overcome difficult post.  Handicapper likes her chances as one of the five co-second choices.
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SELECTIONS:  Will youth be served,  or will the matriarchs teach their younger foes a lesson ?  We’ve always had high regard for three year olds at this time of the year,  so,  in a difficult to read event,  we finally settled on these picks after numerous go-rounds.
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COUNCIL OF LORDS
AMERICAN FATE TB
KASH STORM
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Good luck everybody,  and may they all come home fast,  safe and sound.