Covfefe’s Talent Not Fake News in Filly & Mare Sprint

ARCADIA, CA – LNJ Foxwoods’ favored Covfefe raced around the wall of horses blocking her access and took off in the stretch to conquer Saturday’s $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at Santa Anita Park.

Breaking from the rail under Joel Rosario as the 3/2 favorite, Covfefe took back slightly and ran a few paths off of the rail. Ahead of her, Danuska’s My Girl and Heavenhasmynikki dueled through opening fractions of :22.13 and :44.78. 

Heading into the far turn, Rosario placed Covfefe three-wide along Heavenhasmynikki’s hip, with Spiced Perfection soon joining the fight on the far outside. The pacesetting pair gave way at the 1/4 pole, and at the top of the stretch, Covfefe looked like a runaway winner.

Bellafina had to dart around the tiring early leaders in the far turn before launching a late bid off of the corner. Though she gobbled up ground late, Bellafina was no match for Covfefe. The Brad Cox trainee hit the wire 3/4 of a length clear in a final time of 1:22.40 for the 7-furlong sprint over the fast main track.

“Coming out of the one hole, there were a couple horses that showed more speed out of there,” Rosario said. “I was able to work my way out and get her in the clear. After that, she did all the work.”

The two sophomore fillies were much the best of the rest, as Dawn the Destroyer was a late-running third, 7 3/4 lengths behind. She nailed Spiced Perfection by a 1/2-length at the wire, while Danuska’s My Girl faded to fifth. Come Dancing, Selcourt, Lady Ninja, and a tired Heavenhasmynikki completed the order of finish.

Covfefe’s win was her third straight and improved her career record to 8-6-0-1. The 3-year-old daughter of Into Mischief, purchased as a yearling for $250,000, has now earned $1,110,025.

“She’s a champion, hopefully,” Cox said. “I feel like championship honors were on the line for champion filly and mare sprinter. I hope she locked that up. She overcame a lot today, too. One, two, and three were all holes horses hadn’t performed well, 3-year-olds hadnt performed well in the race. The list went on of all these things which hadn’t been done, but I didn’t waiver. I knew she was going to run her race.”

Covfefe returned $5 to win, $3.60 to place, and $3 to show. Bellafina brought back $5 to place and $3.60 to show, while Dawn the Destroyer paid $6.60 to show.