Short trip for Campanelle

Campanelle is undefeated in three starts racing in three countries, a schedule more commonly associated with topclass runners from Europe than an American-based 2-year-old filly.

Campanelle won a maiden special weight race on May 31 at Gulfstream Park, the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes on June 20 at Royal Ascot in England, and the Group 1 Prix Morny against males on Aug. 23 at Deauville, France. Those races have put Campanelle on schedule for the richest race of her career in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, a $1 million race at a mile on Nov. 6 at Keeneland.

Owned by Stonestreet Stables, Campanelle has not raced beyond six furlongs. Her recent exercise routine at trainer Wesley Ward’s base at Keeneland has been designed to prepare for the longer race. Campanelle worked five furlongs in company in 59.80 seconds on turf Oct. 4 and a half-mile in 53.20 on Oct. 10.

Ward describes Campanelle as “a special filly” who has changed considerably in the last six months.

“She’s a big, imposing filly as well,” Ward said. “She’s grown up a lot since we started early on. She’s got a great mind, so she can travel.”

Between the wins at Ascot and Deauville, Campanelle was sent back to the United States and had workouts at Arlington Park. The Keeneland paddock is a short walk from Ward’s stable, where Campanelle will be before the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.

The Juvenile Fillies Turf is expected to have its typical large field, with runners from throughout the United States and Europe.

Saffron Beach, winner of the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes on Oct. 9 at Newmarket, will be part of the European team.

The domestic runners are led by Aunt Pearl, who won the Jessamine Stakes on Oct. 7 at Keeneland; Plum Ali, who won the Grade 2 Miss Grillo Stakes on Oct. 4 at Belmont Park; and Madone, winner of the Surfer Girl Stakes on Oct. 4 at Santa Anita.

Ward also intends to run Royal Approval, winner of the Grade 3 Matron Stakes at six furlongs on Oct. 11 at Belmont Park, her second win in her fourth start. Royal Approval was 17th behind Campanelle in the 18-runner Queen Mary and was the easy winner of a maiden special weight race at six furlongs on Sept. 9 at Kentucky Downs.

In the Matron, Royal Approval stalked the pace before winning by three-quarters of a length at 1-2, giving Ward confidence she can get a mile.

“She broke and ran nice and easy,” Ward said. “It appears the mile will not be an issue for her.”