Carla’s Path set to make a significant impact at the Breeders’ Cup
Carla’s Way Confident in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
In a thrilling showdown at Santa Anita, Friday’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf promises an exciting race. Ed Crisford, renowned trainer and partner to Simon Crisford, is confident that Carla’s Way will be a strong contender for the finish line. The two-year-old filly has been carefully kept fresh after her impressive victory in the Group Two Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket last month.
Carla’s Way joins a formidable European contingent, including Donnacha O’Brien’s Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Porta Fortuna and Aidan O’Brien’s Content. With such competition, Crisford believes his filly has several advantages working in her favor.
“Donnacha’s filly is undoubtedly talented with her Group One win under her belt,” says Crisford. “However, Carla’s Way also brings exceptional form into the race having defeated Ylang Ylang and Shuwari, who finished first and second respectively in the Fillies’ Mile.”
The track conditions at Santa Anita are expected to suit Carla’s Way perfectly as she excels on quick ground over a two-turn mile distance. Her draw from stall nine provides flexibility during the race.
Crisford expresses his satisfaction with Carla’s performance so far: “She is thriving here at Santa Anita. Despite being only two years old and experiencing new surroundings while observing other horses training on this track—she handles it like an experienced professional.”
A clean trip during the race will be crucial for Carla’s chances of success. Crisford is optimistic and firmly believes that she will be right in the mix at the finish line.
Meanwhile, Porta Fortuna, trained by Donnacha O’Brien, has enjoyed an impressive season with four victories out of six starts. Her triumph in the Cheveley Park Stakes was preceded by Group Three wins at Naas and the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Although Porta Fortuna is yet to race beyond six furlongs, her trainer is willing to take a chance on stepping up to a mile for this prestigious event. The filly has settled well after traveling to California and seems poised for success:
“Porta Fortuna has been outstanding for us this year,” says O’Brien. “She handles similar ground conditions and Santa Anita’s track should suit her perfectly.”
Aidan O’Brien enters Content into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf following a surprise Group Three win at the Curragh just four weeks ago. Hoping to replicate his success from last year’s renewal with Meditate, O’Brien remains hopeful but cautious about Content’s chances against such strong competition.
The American challengers include She Feels Pretty trained by Cherie DeVaux and Hard To Justify representing Chad Brown—seeking his fifth victory in 11 runnings of this esteemed race.