Breeders’ Cup 2019: Midnight Bisou Headlines BC Distaff as 6-5 Favorite

By Richard Rosenblatt

Midnight Bisou

Midnight Bisou

Midnight Bisou is all set to take on a global field in her quest for a perfect season in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.

The sensational 4-year-old filly was made the overwhelming 6-5 favorite at Monday’s post-position draw for all 14 Breeders’  Cup races. Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, Midnight Bisou – 7-0 in 2019  — drew the No. 4 post in a field of 11 going 1 1/8 miles.

Among her challengers are Blue Prize from Argentina, a 6-year-old mare who defeated BC Classic entrant Elate in the Spinster (G1), La Force from Germany and Wow Cat from Chile.

Paradise Woods, winner of the Zenyatta (G1) in her most recent race, is the 5-1 second choice for California-based trainer John Shirreffs.

No matter. This is Midnight Bisou’s chance to claim Horse of the Year honors with a victory.

“She’s just starting to blossom and she’s only four,’’ marveled Hall of Famer Mike Smith, who will be aboard Midnight Bisou once again.

Midnight Bisou

Midnight Bisou

This year, Midnight Bisou has three Grade 1 wins at three different tracks – the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn, the Ogden Phipps at Belmont and the Personal Ensign at Saratoga.

In her most recent start, the daughter of Midnight Lute won the Beldame (G2) by 3 ¼ lengths with John Velazquez subbing for Smith, who has ridden the filly in 14 of her 18 races.

Owned by Bloom Racing Stable, Madaket Stables and Allen Racing, Midnight Bisou posted her final workout Monday – cruising four furlongs in 50.80 seconds at Santa Anita.

Currently, Midnight Bisou is ranked No. 2 in the NTRA’s Top 10 poll, with Bricks and Mortar (5-0) at No. 1 going into the BC Turf.

The Distaff is the 10th race on Saturday’s card, two races before the Classic.

 

2Ollie’s CandyJohn SadlerJoel Rosario15/1

$2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (1 1/8 miles, Post time, 4 p.m. PT)
PP Horse Trainer Jockey Odds
1 Paradise Woods John Shirreffs Abel Cedillo 5/1
3 Street Band J. Larry Jones Sophie Doyle 10/1
4 Midnight Bisou Steve Asmussen Mike Smith 6/5
5 Dunbar Road Chad Brown Jose Ortiz 6/1
6 Wow Cat (CHI) Chad Brown Irad Ortiz 15/1
7 Secret Spice Richard Baltas John Velazquez 10/1
8 La Force (GER) Paddy Gallagher Drayden Van Dyke 30/1
9 Serengeti Empress Tom Amoss Flavien Prat 12/1
10 Mo See Cal Peter Miller Paco Lopez 30/1
11 Blue Prize (ARG) Ignacio Correas IV Joe Bravo 6/1

 

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