BC Internationals: F&M Turf/Mile contender Kitcat

Chilean star Kitcat has the best chance of the South American “Win and You’re In” brigade to make an impact in her Breeders’ Cup race – although that’s relative, more of a negative statement about Corona del Inca and Ryans Charm than a ringing endorsement. But Kitcat is a potent closer who travels well through her races, enjoys a hot pace, exhibits a fearlessness in weaving on the inside or through traffic, has put up some blistering times, defeated males, and claims the advantage of a local prep.

Like Diana (G1) heroine Dacita, Kitcat is a daughter of Scat Daddy who has competed in the top races of her generation. She didn’t earn a championship, however, or win as many events as dual Chilean champion Dacita. Although the point can’t be pressed too far, they do share a certain classic score in common.

Kitcat captured her first two starts as a juvenile, including a listed stakes, before playing second fiddle to divisional champion Cimalta in three straight. But Kitcat’s progress was evident as she came ever nearer to beating the fellow Stud Vendaval colorbearer.

Beaten fair and square by Cimalta in the Premio Julio Subercaseaux Browne (G3), Kitcat surged a fraction late and just missed next time in the Premio Criadores Dorama (G2).

In their rubber match over the same metric mile in the Arturo Lyon Pena (G1), Kitcat received an arguably overconfident ride, opening the door for Cimalta to come back and mug her on the line in a brisk 1:31.61.

Those replays show Kitcat to be a spare, unfurnished type who’d strengthen over time, compared to the robust Cimalta who appeared well ahead on the developmental curve. The arc of Kitcat’s sophomore campaign would bear that out.

Still leggy in her three-year-old bow in the Premio Polla de Potrancas (G1), Kitcat traveled supremely well, took a few strides to pick up, and asserted with something to spare over stablemate Wapi and her nemesis Cimalta. If you have the extra time, note Kitcat’s pre-race swagger.

 

This fillies’ classic victory is her point in common with Dacita. Otherwise, Dacita compiled a deeper resume through the midpoint of their three-year-old seasons. At two, Dacita had won a couple of the races Kitcat had placed in (the Arturo Lyon Pena and the Julio Subercaseaux Browne), and after her Potrancas conquest, Dacita added the Las Oaks (G1) and finished a creditable fourth versus the boys in the El Ensayo/Chilean Derby (G1).

Kitcat, on the other hand, was well beaten in all three of her attempts in longer classics – the only times she’s been out of the top two in her career. Failing to settle early in the about 10-furlong Premio Nacional Ricardo Lyon (G1) against males, she was a non-threatening ninth. Kitcat finished better when altering course and staying on for fifth in the about 12-furlong Chilean Derby, won by stablemate Wapi. At least Kitcat had the satisfaction of turning the tables on Ricardo Lyon winner Candy Sun, who checked in seventh as the favorite. Kitcat was again no match for Wapi in the Las Oaks back at about 10 furlongs, where she had to await room momentarily but wilted in fourth.

Wapi, since honored as Chile’s champion three-year-old filly, has been purchased by Glen Hill Farm and Hill ‘n’ Dale. Glen Hill’s Craig Bernick has tweeted photos of Wapi looking fine as she soaks up the Florida sun.

In Wapi’s absence, Kitcat emerged from her shadow. She reunited with jockey Gonzalo Ulloa, who’d chosen Wapi in the Derby and Oaks. Returning stronger, and perhaps a bit more filled out, in the second half, Kitcat reeled off a four-race winning spree.

Up in time in her comeback, despite appearing to have left it late, Kitcat next rallied off a torrid pace in the Premio Geoffrey Bushell. Note her final time for the metric mile at Santiago -- 1:30.50, a record according to Turf Diario.