Breeder's Cup Distaff ("Lady's Classic")?

Question

I think that the Distaff name has more ring to it.

Anyway, it may be a bit too early to be drawing conclusions (read: it is), but there are three stand-out competitors at this point (if only there were four): last year's Eclipser and defending champion Ginger Punch, the undefeated Zenyatta, and the Oaks winner Proud Spell. Now, Proud Spell has a fair distance to go before she catches up with Zenyatta and Ginger Punch, but she's still in development and thus she should improve.

Who do you think is going to be the best come this fall?

Answer 1

I reall k**e Proud Spell. But Hysterical Lady is a great little filly too. I think she might make the race. .

Answer 2

I like the Breeder's Cup Distaff fits it better. For the 2008 Breeders's Cup Distaff I like Zenyatta. She was amazing beating Ginger Punch. Although.... Ginger Punch won her last race with ease. Proud Spell has a lot to catch up. I think she could do it though.

Answer 3

Changing the name of the Distaff to "Ladies' Classic" was rather silly- but I can understand why they did this. Since its inception a little under two decades ago, the Distaff has been plagued by more accidents and tragedies than any other race in the Breeder's Cup series. To my knowledge, at least 3, and perhaps as many as 5, fillies or mares have suffered fatal injuries in that race ( with Go for Wand's tragic breakdown in 1989 being by far the worst such event) and there have been many other fillies which were hurt or had career ending injuries as well. Perhaps the Breeder's Cup organizers feel that by renaming the race, they can somehow remove the apparent "jinx" which has plagued it for so long. That may be wishful thinking, but it's harmless and worth a shot, I think.

As for who will be able to run in the race this fall, at this point it's much too early to speculate on that. Perhaps Proud Spell will make it big- she may even win the filly Triple Crown this summer. Time will tell on that. I don't know enough about the other two to be able to comment on them.

Answer 4

Yeah, I don't like that they changed it to Lady's Classic either.  It sounds like a golfing meet or something.

I think Proud Spell is an impressive little horse, but to compete with the big girls (both in size and age) she's going to need to progress this year.  I do love how much she'll hunker down and get into the bridle and run her little heart out.  Look at the pictures of her crossing the line of the Oaks... she's so determined!

As for Ginger Punch and Zenyatta...

Zenyatta did beat Ginger Punch, but it was Ginger's first start back since the Breeders and Ginger did great at Churchill on Friday.  Did you see Ginger Punch jump that puddle?  It was so cute!  

I think a lot will depend on the synthetic surface.  Zenyatta will have the advantage since she's based in California and will run on the surface before the Breeders.  Proud Spell didn't do so hot on the Keeneland surface.

Right now, I'm giving the edge to Zenyatta.  She looked really powerful at Oaklawn.  It'll be a great race though because Ginger Punch will be back on top form before the Breeders.

Did you hear that they might not run Curlin in the Classic... he might go to international races.  I'd be really upset... I hope he stays here.

Answer 5

Don't forget Magnificience who has yet to race at 4 and is just about to come back from injury.  She might just be the best filly (or mare) of the bunch.

Answer 6

I think Indian Blessing will be back!

I love that filly, she is so sweet. I was so upset when Proud Spell defeated her - her name sure suits her well!

Go Blessing! =)