Breeders' Cup Distaff -- Carina Mia

Everyone knows who the big guns are in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) – Beholder, Songbird, Stellar Wind – but what about the rest of the field? Check out some of the other contenders in the 1 1/8-mile affair based on their 2016 records alone.

Carina Mia – 6-2-2-1, $890,280

Owner: Three Chimneys Farm
Trainer: Bill Mott

Carina Mia is the only entrant in the Distaff with a first preference to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1). Based on her record, the dark bay lass may actually do better in that seven-furlong affair than the Distaff, but I still consider her a possible contender based on the fact she’s finished second both times facing Songbird.

Carina Mia suffered her only off-the-board finish to date in her 2016 opener, the Ashland Stakes (G1) at Keeneland, but quickly rebounded a month later to romp by six lengths in the Eight Belles Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs. She dropped from 1 1/16 miles to seven furlongs in those two events, and then went a mile to take the Acorn Stakes (G1) in June at Belmont Park.

The Malibu Moon sophomore once again tried a distance when going in the 1 1/8-mile Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), but was beaten 5 1/4 lengths that day by Songbird. Carina Mia cut back to seven furlongs for the Ballerina Stakes (G1) and found herself dueling in the early going before finishing third on the line. Her last start came at 1 1/16 miles in the Cotillion Stakes (G1), where she once again faced Songbird and found herself 5 3/4 lengths behind that champion in second.

Based on her record, and the fact her best BRIS Speed rating of 104 came in the seven-furlong Eight Belles, Carina Mia looks to have more impact on the Filly & Mare Sprint.