Blurry white clouds nestled into the high space Del Mar November 6, 2021, while the crowd grows denser and the sound of the racetrack rings out.
As morning time creeps into the early afternoon and anticipation rushes, adrenaline pumps through Bo Hirsch’s veins — it’s time for his 5-year-old hybrid Ce Ce to participate in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) stage.
Watching from a box above the traffic of the stands, Hirsch “hopes and prays”, overlooking the yard of the other four participants, including the ruler Gamine who is defending her title won last year.
“Part of your brain thinks ‘Gamine is going to win this and we’ll run well for a second if we can.” That’s what’s on my mind,” Hirsch said.
Following the start of the race, viewers can agree with Hirsch.
Gamine shot out from the gate, easily leading, while Bella Sofia duel. Edgeway ran in third place, and Ce Ce finished fourth with Proud Emma Mark.
It wasn’t until he was tense that Gamine found himself surrounded on all sides and subjected to the outside solicitation of Ce Ce, who hurled thunderbolts through the 2 1/2 long rope ahead.
“When we won like we did, I never expected it, it was just surreal,” Hirsch said. “I can say it was the best moment I’ve had in the horse business. I love that feeling.”
In less than two weeks, Ce Ce will attempt to grant Hirsch his wish during the Filly & Mare Sprint on November 5 at Keeneland and achieve what Gamine couldn’t — hold onto her championship crown.
Before the big day, Hirsch said he left all preparations to trainer Michael McCarthy, who guided the mare to her 2021 victory. He added that she will be sending to Kentucky on October 30.
“I said, ‘why don’t you go out earlier and give her a job on that track? ‘ He said, ‘oh no, she was there; she knows what it is.’ That’s the plan, and we’ll start from there,” Hirsch said.
“I always tell coaches that ‘you can consult my amateur and I’ll give that opinion to you, but the decision will be yours. My opinion or not is up to you, and you will have to live with that decision. ‘ That’s pretty much the way we do things, I leave him alone. I will challenge him here and there, but he has a plan. I want to let the professionals do their job. “
The entries selected for the race included 13 other potential runners, some of which could pose serious threats.
“Obviously you have 3-year-old Echo Zulu and Letruska. They’re going to be tough and so will the rest of them,” Hirsch said. “I’m more interested in Ce Ce and bringing her A-game into the race.
“If she had an A game of hers, I think she’d be horribly tough in it, and it would take an unruly horse to beat her.”
Fresh from winning the Dogwood Stakes (G3) September 24 at Churchill Downs, 2021 champions Echo Zulu will step into the older company, which won last year’s NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) for owners L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds.
Trained by Steve Asmussen, daughter of Gunman is 6-0-0 after seven starts. Her only loss was the fourth in the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) May 6, where she fell behind. Secret Vow , Nest and Desert dawn .
Letruska , who will compete a shorter distance (seven distances) in the sprint than her typical 1 1/8 mile, will add another element to the court. Last year, the 6-year-old daughter of Super savings far 10th in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
Coach Fausto Gutierrez previously commented on the tack: “I think Distaff’s competition this year is very strong. And I think nine starting furlongs is a long way off for her.”
The mare won the older female dirt road champion last year. With a 19-1-2 record from 28 starts, she made $3,053,539.
Last year’s Filly & Mare Sprint runner-up, Edgeway will be back with another hit in the August 28 Rancho Bernardo Handicap (G3). 5 year old child Competitive advantage mares have yet to claim 1st place for owner Hronis Racing and trainer John Sadler. Her record of 8-2-1 from the 13th started with $753,860 in earnings.
Coach Wesley Ward has both Chi Town Lady and Kimari participated, although he gave Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) first preference for the latter.
Castleton Lyons’ Chi Town Lady has only one graded stake score on her record, a bold attempt on August 6 at Racecourse Saratoga in the Longines Test Stakes (G1), where she was ahead of the Filly & Mare Sprint participants Spicy chili pepper . Her record is 3-1-0 from just seven games starting with $417,800 in earnings.
There is also the Japanese runner-up Chain of loveBallerina Handicap (G1) Winner Good night olives and Derby City Distaff Stakes by Kendall-Jackson Winery (G1) Obligatory .
Completing the previous items is the same as New Mexico slam who will help coach Todd Fincher win his first World Championship; recent Lexus Raven Run Stakes (G2) winner Evil Halo who will return to Keeneland again; Frank’s Rockette ; and Lady Rocket .
Despite the different competitors and not quite sure how the race would turn out, Hirsch appreciated the opportunity to be present and enjoy another run with his star horse. Of course, he also enjoys the precious time before the big day.
“It’s predictable and – I always talk about it – it’s my favorite thing,” Hirsch said. “It’s happening as soon as we talk. It’s getting interesting… I’m going down to Keeneland, and I have to go buy some new shoes. It’s fun.”
