Vequist Skims Rail to Steal Juvenile Fillies

LEXINGTON, KY – Trainer Butch Reid’s Vequist skimmed the rail in the stretch to steal victory from loose leader Dayoutoftheoffice in Friday’s $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Keeneland.

Vequist broke from post 2 under Joel Rosario as the 6/1 fifth choice in the field of 7 and was forwardly-placed heading into the clubhouse turn.

Settling just inside of the 9/5 favorite Princess Noor, Vequist watched as Dayoutoftheoffice posted opening fractions of :23.30, :47.12, and 1:11.32.

Princess Noor made her bid midway through the far turn, but her attempt fell flat as Dayoutoftheoffice kept on going.

Rosario left Vequist pinned to the rail as she advanced past rivals in the stretch, including sliding inside the pacesetter at the 1/8 pole.

Drawing off late, Vequist crossed 2 lengths clear while completing the 1 1/16-mile fast dirt route in 1:42.30.

“I tried to save ground,” Rosario said. “It was hard for her in the turn because I had a horse outside me, but she did great. I never gave up my position. As soon as I asked her, she went on with it. It was a very good performance.”

Tough luck Dayoutoftheoffice settled for second, just a nose past a late-running Girl Daddy at the wire.

Fourth went to Simply Ravishing, who broke poorly from the gate and never fully recovered before taking fourth, another nose behind the pair ahead of her.

Princess Noor, Crazy Beautiful, and Thoughtfully completed the order of finish.

Vequist’s win was the second of her career following the Spinaway Stakes (G1) 2 starts back and improved her overall record to 4-2-2-0 with $1,235,500 earned for co-owners Swilcan Stable (who also bred her), Gary Barber, and Wachtel Stable. Her victory here mirrored the same success that her sire, Nyquist, enjoyed over this same course and distance in the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).

“She really thrived on this air and the weather,” Reid said. “She looked great coming in. I knew we would be laying up close. She’s a sharp filly. She doesn’t mind the inside, obviously. I don’t know that you ever have that kind of feeling, but we knew she was doing very well and we know she’s a very talented filly.”

Vequist returned $15.20 to win, $6.80 to place, and $4.40 to show. Dayoutoftheoffice brought back $5.20 to place and $3.60 to show, while Girl Daddy paid $3.80 to show.