Keeneland preview: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (16.05)

David Metcalf | October 31, 2015

Rachel’s Valentina looks decent value to get the better of Songbird and land the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies which kicks off a cracking card of Grade 1 action at Keeneland (16.05).

The Todd Pletcher is bred to be something something special, being a product of product of champions Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, and has made the perfect start to her a career in winning both starts.

After scoring going away by two lengths over an inadequate 6f on her debut at Saratoga, connections had no hesitation in stepping her up into Grade 1 company for the Spinaway Stakes over 7f at the same venue.

Rachel’s Valentina looked in trouble a furlong out, but as on her debut, she powered home late on to be well on top at the finish and win by a cosy length.

The extra distance furlong in this looks sure to suit, and a href=”https://sports.coral.co.uk?btag=a_16132b_6302&ev_oc_id=228487844″ title=”Coral | Rachel’s Valentina wins Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (16:05)” target=”_blank”>Rachel’s Valentina is likely to get a strong pace to aim at.

Talk about the Songbird

There are plenty of trailblazers in the line-up, and if they get into a duel and cut each others throats it will set things up perfectly for a close like Rachel’s Valentina.

Songbird is one of those that likes to lead and has barely seen a rival in winning her first three starts by a combined total of over 16 lengths.

Two of those successes have come in Grade 1 company, and the Jerry Hollender trained daughter of Ivanavinalot put in a breathtaking demolition job in the last of those when winning the Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita by 4 1/2 lengths.

After being sent straight to the front, the race was over a long way from home as Songbird had almost everything beat half a mile out.