Breeders' Cup bid up for grabs in Spinaway

The $300,000 Spinaway (G1) at Saratoga on Saturday has attracted several fast fillies, one of whom will walk away with an automatic bid to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Keeneland on Oct. 30.

Harper’s Corner has won both of her starts by a combined margin of 13 lengths, including the Schuylerville S. by 5 3/4 lengths as a 12-1 chance. However, there’s a strong likelihood she will take a backseat in the wagering to rivals from more prominent stables.

Summer Starlet also posted an upset last time, coming off the pace to beat maiden foes by 6 1/2 lengths as a 15-1 shot. The Steve Asmussen trainee is a daughter of City of Light.

Todd Pletcher, who has won the Spinaway a record seven times, saddles seven-length debut winner Life Changing, a Life Is Good half-sister to Preakness (G1) and Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner Seize the Grey, who sold for more than $1 million as a yearling. Angel of Kirk, meanwhile, goes for the hot Brad Cox barn after a 4 3/4-length debut score back on July 11. 

“Her debut was really good,” Cox said. “I do think she’s improved since and she’s had plenty of time to improve.”

Also lining up are undefeated Adirondack (G3) winner Stress Relief; Girvy Girl, a 15-length Gulfstream graduate for Saffie Joseph; and Cha Cha Baby, a dominating maiden winner at Delaware Park who debuts for Butch Reid.

The $225,000 With Anticipation (G3), for two-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, attracted a field of only five, three of whom – High Official, Bold Leadership, and Liam’s Law – are trained by Pletcher.