Shisospicy blitzes rivals in Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint

It's not uncommon for three-year-old fillies to run older males off their feet in Europe, but it's virtually rare in America. One exception is Shisospicy, who ran away from a world-class field of crack specialists in the $920,000 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Del Mar on Saturday.

Fastest out of the gate in the field of 12, Shisospicy was left unchallenged throughout the five-furlong dash and gradually built up an insurmountable lead. Under Irad Ortiz Jr., Shisospicy coasted home by 2 1/2 lengths, covering five furlongs on firm ground in :55.24.

"I knew that she was going to explode today with her speed, and it worked out perfectly," said Jose D'Angelo, who notched a second Breeders' Cup win a short time later with Bentornato in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1). "With her speed, I just trained her for the race." 

Owned by Morplay Racing and Qatar Racing, Shisospicy paid $12.60.

Ag Bullet, third in the 2024 Turf Sprint, finished second this time by a half-length over the nine-year-old veteran Khaadem. Local hopes Reef Runner and 7-2 favorite Motorious could only rally for fourth and fifth, respectively.

Next under the wire were Invincible Papa, Bucanero Fuerte, Governor Sam, Bring Theband Home, Puro Magic, and Bear River. She's Quality was eased early and was found to be showing signs of lameness.

The Turf Sprint was the sixth win in nine career starts for Shisospicy, who has won five of six since switching to turf last winter. Second in the Mockingbird S. at Oaklawn Park in her season debut, Shisospicy made that surface switch in her next start, winning an allowance at Gulfstream Park. She then captured the Limestone S. at Keeneland and the Mamzelle S. at Churchill Downs.

Shisospicy next took on some of the fastest three-year-olds in Europe at Royal Ascot in the Commonwealth Cup (G1), but fared poorly when finishing 15th of 21. Rested the remainder of the summer, she prepped for the Breeders' Cup at Kentucky Downs by taking the Music City (G2) by a commanding three lengths.

A Kentucky-bred daughter of champion and Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner Mitole, Shisopicy was reared by Mischief Galore, a daughter of Into Mischief.

Until Saturday, all of Shisospicy's stakes wins had come against three-year-old fillies. She's now a proven commodity against all comers.

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