Fionn, Laurelin among nine in Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup

If success versus division leader Nitrogen is the key factor, Fionn looms as the horse to beat in the $800,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland on Saturday. An invitational for three-year-old fillies run over 1 1/8 miles on turf, the QE II has attracted a field of nine.

Nitrogen, who finished a close second in the Spinster (G1) on dirt Oct. 5, would have been the solid favorite in the QE II. In her absence, Fionn brings worthy credentials.

Indeed, Fionn is the only filly to have beaten Nitrogen on turf this season. That was by a nose in the Belmont Oaks (G1) in early July, a race book-ended by half-length victories in the Regret (G3) and Dueling Grounds Oaks (G3). A four-time stakes winner this season, Fionn's only loss this term was to Nitrogen in the Appalachian (G2) during the Keeneland spring meet.

Laurelin, however, also merits strong consideration. The Graham Motion charge has won four consecutive stakes dating back to November, including the Saratoga Oaks (G2) two months ago, and is a perfect 5-for-5 in her career.

Opulent Restraint was beaten less than a length by Fionn and Nitrogen in the Belmont Oaks, but is also 0-for-2 against Laurelin this season. Candy Quest is another filly trying to break a 0-for-2 record against Laurelin, though the Ontario Colleen (G3) winner was only a half-length adrift of Fionn in the Dueling Grounds Oaks last month.

Favored at odds-on in the Dueling Grounds Oaks was Destino d'Oro, stablemate to Fionn in the barn of Brad Cox. Destino d'Oro didn't fire at all when finishing sixth of 12, but the Pucker Up (G3) heroine might rebound over a more conventional course. She narrowly missed winning the Jessamine (G2) at Keeneland last season.

Lush Lips, runner-up twice to Nitrogen during the spring, exits a close second-place finish in the Del Mar Oaks (G1). However, Grade 3 winner Daisy Flyer and Will Then are hard to endorse on collateral form. The lone European entrant in the QE II is Simmering, whose form since finishing an upset third in the classic 1000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket leaves a bit to be desired.