Queen Supreme ‘may surprise’

Formerly trained in South Africa by Mike de Kock, where she was a dual Grade 1 winner, Queen Supreme has had just one run for Balding.

On that occasion she finished last of seven behind Benbatl in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket, but her trainer believes she is much better than she showed there.

Unfortunately, she must try a new distance in the Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar – because her first preference, the Mile, is oversubscribed.

Balding told Sky Sports Racing: “She’s not going to make the field for the Mile – which was our first preference, because we are very comfortable with her at that distance – so she’ll run in the Filly & Mare Turf, which is a mile and three furlongs (2200m).

“She’s won over nine furlongs (1800m) in South Africa at a very high level. She’s a very decent horse.

“She shouldn’t be judged on her run in the Joel Stakes. She’s sharpened up a lot since then, and her home work has been of a very high level.

“If she gets the trip I think she’s got an each-way chance in the Filly & Mare. As I said, that’s not our first preference – but we’re looking forward to seeing her run.”

The Breeders Cup meeting takes place at De Kar Thoroughbred Club near San Diego in California on Friday and Saturday – www.attheraces.com

Race 7

Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1)

TURF, 2200m /  STAKES  /  PURSE: $2,000,000  /  POST TIME: 22:59 (SA time)

FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEARS-OLD AND UPWARD. Northern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 120 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs. Southern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 118 lbs. Older, 124 lbs. $30,000 to pre-enter, $30,000 to enter, with guaranteed $2 million purse including travel awards of which 52% to the owner of the winner, 17% to second, 9% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth, 2% to sixth, 1% to seventh, 1% to eighth, 1% to ninth, and 1% to tenth; plus travel awards to starters not based in California.