British Idiom Outduels Donna Veloce in Juvenile Fillies

ARCADIA, CA – A pair of favored fillies put on a show for the ages as British Idiom outdueled a very tough Donna Veloce in the stretch run to take Friday’s $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Santa Anita Park.

Breaking from post 4 under Javier Castellano as the 5/2 second choice, British Idiom was content to sit off of the early pace. Up front, Two Sixty set fractions of :22.71 and :46.02 while feeling heat to her outside from both Bast and Wicked Whisper.

Heading into the far turn, Two Sixty gave way on the rail, putting Bast momentarily on the lead, but the 2/1 favorite Donna Veloce made an outside bid through the turn. At the top of the stretch, the bettors’ choice was on the lead, but British Idiom was hot on her heels and closing quickly.

The pair fought inches apart as they pulled away from the field, and near the 1/16 pole, British Idiom put her nose in front. Despite a doggedly-determined effort from Donna Veloce along the rail, British Idiom prevailed by a neck at the wire. The Brad Cox trainee completed the 1 1/16-mile event over the fast main track in a final time of 1:47.07.

“That was not the idea,” Castellano said. “The idea was a clear trip and stalking a little bit early. Unfortunately, that’s the way it developed in the first tunr. I took it from there and was very patient and confident because I had the best horse in the race. That’s what she proved in the last part of the running. She kept running in a nice way and she finished really well.”

Though unable to hold onto the lead in the stretch run, Donna Veloce – making just her second career start – crossed 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Bast. Perfect Alibi raced five-wide to close from last to take third, 13 lengths over a weakened Wicked Whisper.

Lazy Daisy, Comical, K P Dreamin, and an empty Two Sixty completed the order of finish.

British Idiom’s win was her third in as many career starts, having won her debut at Saratoga in August before taking the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) at Keeneland on October 4. The 2-year-old daughter of Flashback, purchased for $40,000 a year ago, has now earned $1,381,250 for co-owners Michael Dubb, The Elkstone Group, Madaket Stables, and Bethlehem Stables.

“She’s a good filly and this was a great race,” Cox said. “We were fortunate to come out on top. Javier did a great job. She was fit; she was ready to go today. She’s been touting us the last few weeks and I’m very proud of her.”

British Idiom returned $7.40 to win, $3.80 to place, and $2.80 to show. Donna Veloce brought back $4 to place and $3 to show, while Bast paid $3.40 to show.