Horse Wagering

2007 Breeders' Cup Distaff

This year's Distaff brings together a deep and talented group of fillies and mares. Eleven of the pre-entered horses have at least one Grade 1 win on their resume.

Trainer Todd Pletcher pre-entered four: Indian Vale, Unbridled Belle, Octave, and Panty Raid. Pletcher, the three time Eclipse Award winning trainer is just 2 for 41 on Breeders' Cup Day, but will have a a good chance to pick up another win here.

With such a deep field this year, it appears the Distaff is going to be a great betting race. Last year, Round Pond lit up the tote board last year, paying $25.80 to win and topping a $446.00 exacta, a $4,355.40 trifecta and a superfecta that returned $38,595.20.

Here is a look at the top contenders for this year's Distaff:

Unbridled Belle: This filly is one of many runners trainer Todd Pletcher will be sending out during the two days of the Breeders' Cup. The three time Eclipse Award winning trainer has not had much success in the Breeders' Cup, winning just two races with 41 starters. Unbridled Belle is going to be one of possibly four starters Pletcher could send out in the Distaff. Indian Vale and Octave are likely while Panty Raid will likely be entered in the Distaff and the Filly & Mare Turf. The filly is coming off a win in the Grade 1 Beldame where she prevailed by a head over her stablemate Indian Vale at nearly 7/1. She also defeated her stablemate in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap at odds of 8/1 in July. Jockey Ramon Dominguez has been aboard for her last four victories and fits her like a glove.

Ginger Punch: She was the beaten favorite in the Grade 1 Beldame, sent off at 6/5, but was unable to go with the Pletcher duo, checking in third and beaten 2 ½ lengths for the top spot. She went into her last start riding a three race win streak which included a pair of Grade 1's. She won the Go for Wand at Saratoga in July and followed that up with a impressive victory in the Ruffian at Belmont Park on September 8. She is owned by Stronach Stables and trained by Bobby Frankel, and was not nominated to the Breeders' Cup as a foal. In order for her to run in the Distaff, her connections will have to pay a $180,000 supplemental fee.

Lady Joanne: She is a Grade 1 winner, but not the only star of her stable. She is trained by Carl Nafzger, who will send out Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense in the Classic. Like the Derby winner, she finished second in her last prep for Breeders' Cup Day over the synthetic polytrack surface. She was the runner up in the Grade 1 Spinster at Keeneland behind Panty Raid.

Indian Vale: This five year old mare was beaten by a head in her last start by her stablemate Unbridled Belle, and has finished behind her in each of her last three starts. She is one of three that were pre-entered that has a win over the surface, breaking her maiden at Monmouth Park in her debut. She brings some early speed to the race and she is capable with her very best.