Breeders' Cup Distaff -- Curalina

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.

Curalina – 4-2-1-0, $509,140

Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners
Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Curalina started off 2016 with a bang, capturing the May 6 La Troienne Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs by 7 1/2 lengths to earn a 102 BRIS Speed rating. The four-year-old daughter of Curlin then suffered her first unplaced finish when fourth in the Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park one month later as the near 2-1 favorite. She didn’t run bad that day and rebounded off a short break to romp by 9 1/4 lengths in the Shuvee Handicap (G3) in late July at Saratoga.

Curalina was awarded a career-best 103 BRIS Speed figure for her stellar effort in the Shuvee. She competed once more at the Spa when just missing by a half-length in the Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) last out on August 27 while holding fellow Distaff rival Forever Unbridled to third by a neck.

The chestnut lass is no stranger to the Breeders’ Cup, having finished third in the 2015 Distaff, and will be looking to improve on that performance while trying Santa Anita Park for the first time.