Baffert holds top pair in overflow field

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – An oversubscribed field headed by the Bob Baffert duo of Marley’s Freedom and Dream Tree has been pre-entered in the 12th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

In all, 18 are pre-entered in the seven-furlong Filly and Mare Sprint, with these four listed as alternates (in order of preference): Mopotism, Happy Like a Fool, Dream Pauline, and Bixby Lou. However, Mopotism has the Distaff as her first preference, and Happy Like a Fool has the Sprint as her first preference.

Regardless of who’s in or out, Marley’s Freedom surely will be favored after extending her win streak to four in her most recent race, the Grade 1 Ballerina on Aug. 25 at Saratoga. Her 3-year-old stablemate Dream Tree is unbeaten in five career starts, having won the Grade 2 Prioress on Sept. 2 at Saratoga in her most recent outing.

Both Baffert fillies were scheduled to have their final prerace breezes at Santa Anita before being flown here on one of several charter planes departing Southern California. Santa Anita-based Filly and Mare Sprint contenders Selcourt, Skye Diamonds, Anonymity, Miss Sunset, and Mopotism also were to work there before leaving.

A handful of Filly and Mare Sprint starters are already in Kentucky, including a trio expected to work at Churchill in the coming days: Finley’s lucky charm, Golden Mischief, and Mia Mischief. Also, at Keeneland, trainer Wesley Ward has Kirby’s Penny, who worked five furlongs Tuesday in 59.20 seconds, and Happy Like a Fool.

Two horses would be wheeling back in just two weeks’ time: Shamrock Rose, winner of the Grade 2 Raven Run last Saturday at Keeneland, and Highway Star, winner of the restricted Iroquois last Saturday at Belmont Park. Highway Star is owned by Chester and Mary Broman, who upset the Filly and Mare Sprint last year at Del Mar with Bar of Gold, a 66-1 shot.

Meanwhile, the most notable name missing from the Filly and Mare Sprint is Union Strike, winner of the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom last month at Belmont Park. Owner Mick Ruis Sr. said the 4-year-old filly has been retired because of what he termed “a minor issue” and will be bred in February to Bolt d’Oro.

The Filly and Mare Sprint will be the first of nine straight BC races on the Saturday, Nov. 3, program, with post time set for noon Eastern. It will be the third of 12 races. First post is 10:45 a.m.