2015 Breeders’ Cup Distaff Picks

31st Breeders’ Cup – Keeneland

Date: Friday, Oct. 30th         Post Time: 5:35 PM (ET)         Distance: 1 1/8-mile (dirt)         Purse: $2,000,000


Official Contenders & Post Positions

PP – Contender|Jockey|Trainer|odds

1-I’m a Chatterbox|Florent Geroux|Larry Jones|8-1
2-Frivolous|Jon Court|Victoria Oliver|30-1
3-Salama|Julien Leparoux|Charlie Lopresti|50-1
4-Stopchargingmaria|Javier Castellano|Todd Pletcher|5-1
strong>5-Calamity Kate|Edgar Prado|Kelly Breen|30-1
6-My Sweet Addiction|Mike Smith|Martin Jones|20-1
7-Wedding Toast|Jose Lezcano|Kiaran McLaughlin|4-1
8-Curalina|Joel Rosario|Todd Pletcher|12-1
9-Stellar Wind|Victor Espinoza|John Sadler|12-1
10-Yahilwa|James Graham|James Cassidy|20-1
11Untapable|John Velazquez|Steve Asmussen|5-1
12-Got Lucky|Irad Ortiz|Todd Pletcher|6-1
13-Warren’s Veneda|Tyler Baze|C.A. Lewis|30-1
14-Sheer Drama|Joe Bravo|David Fawkes|9-2
15-Peace and War|Drayden Van Dyke|Graham Motion|30-1


Guest Handicapper: Paul Lo Duca

The 2015 Breeders’ Cup is in its 31st year, yet it seems like the first one was yesterday. There is simply no better venue than Keeneland, where horse country can be seen for miles.

This years addition of the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff is missing one of its stars with the unfortunate news that 3-year-old champion Untapable had to scratch. Still, this field of 14 is not short on talent.

#8 Curalina – She was put up to first via disqualification in the Coaching Club American Oaks and I loved her last race when she was second in the Beldame despite a stumble. She’s versatile and this distance suits her.

# 7 Wedding Toast – is too hard ignore. She’s reeled off 3 straight, two of those in Grade Ones, last time conquering Curlina in the Beldame. She has early lick and should be forwardly placed.

#1 I’m a Chatterbox – is as consistent as they come. She has only missed the board once and finally got her Grade One at Parx last time out and she has been in Kentucky for awhile now and training well. Great draw in the one slot with her style.

#3 Salama (long shot play) – I guess I’m trying to read a trainer, but Charles Lopresti said on air that he was prepping this filly for her next start in the Distaff. She ran a great second, and I feel at that price she might be a lot fitter Friday. She could round out some exotics at a big price. 50-1 on the morning line!


Other Contenders

#2 Frivolous – She has out run her odds before and gets a great draw, but needs to improve.

#4 Stopchargingmaria – 2nd in the Madison at Keeneland in April may give her the experience she needs to beat this group.

#5 Calamity Kate – Speedy filly shocked them at Parx. Will try and do the same.

#6 My Sweet Addiction – This California invader is fast and has a Grade 1 in the bank. Long shot look.

#9 Stellar Wind – Unlucky in the Kentucky Oaks, she has come back with back to back wins. The problem is the 3-year-olds are weaker, in my opinion.

#10 Yahilwa – Ran giant in the Spinster and has trained forwardly out of it. She’s game if she gets a good trip.

#12 Got Lucky – Won the Spinster right on the wire in impressive fashion. It just seemed to me that it emptied her tank. I’m playing against.

#13 Warrens Veneda – Finished behind Beholder and My Sweet Addiction multiple times. She just looks over matched.

#14 Sheer Drama – The Personal Ensign winner has had a phenomenal 2015 and has been training great. Awful draw and I think you have to take a shot against. Maybe use underneath.

Picks:

Acacia Courtney →   8-4-12-10

Ciara Bowen →   1-7-14-12

Claudia Lorena →  1-7-12-8 sub in 15if you see fit.

Paul Lo Duca →   8 / 1, 7, 3  or  1, 7, 3 / 8


Follow Paul on Twitter @paulloduca16