Though she hasn't raced since May, the Argentine-bred Blue Stripe will be more than ready for her U.S. debut in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar. Trainer Marcelo Polanco told Thoroughbred Racing Commentary that the 4-year-old half-sister to 2019 Distaff winner Blue Prize has adapted well to her new surroundings.
Fernando Fantini Braun, who manages the racing stable of owner Haras Pozo de Luna, contacted third-generation trainer Polanco in the U.S. after Blue Stripe won the G1 Gran Premio Criadores at Palermo Racecourse on May 1.
“At one point, it didn't look like she was even going to get third,” Polanco told TRC, regarding the filly's run in the “Win and You're In” contest. “But she put her ears down, kept fighting, kept fighting. Jesus, that's a lot of heart.”
A four-time winner from six starts, Blue Stripe has been working steadily in Southern California since late June. Her record includes multiple two seven-furlong moves and a one-mile breeze, so she should be plenty fit for the challenge she'll face at Del Mar.
Polanco has partnered with Blue Stripe's Argentinian trainer Nicolas Martin Ferro to have her in top shape ahead of this year's edition.
“When you get to these kinds of races, you're running against champions,” added Polanco. “But, looking at the ability she showed in her races, and what she shows in the morning, she'll be very competitive.”
Read more at the Thoroughbred Racing Commentary.
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