2021 Breeders’ Cup Distaff Entries: Clairiere

2021 Breeders’ Cup Distaff Contenders

In the days leading up to the 38th Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in California, usracing.com is publishing profiles on the horses in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Saturday, Nov. 6). The profiles will be updated following the post-position draw on Monday, Nov. 1.

 

By Margaret Ransom

Clariere – Photo Courtesy of Nikki Sherman/EQUI-PHOTO

Barbara Banke’s Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings bred this talented 3-year-old daughter of Curlin, who is out of three-time Grade 1 winner Cavorting who herself ran in the Breeders’ Cup once and was fourth in the 2015 Filly & Mare Sprint. Curlin, a two-time Horse of the Year, won the 2007 Classic for Banke and her late husband, Jess Jackson. So, this filly’s certainly bred for Breeders’ Cup glory.

Clairiere is coming off a nice win in the Cotillion Stakes (G1) at Parx in September, which came after a strong second in the 10-furlong Alabama (G1) at Saratoga behind Malathaat so this 9-furlong distance should not be any problem.

Clairiere is already in California with trainer Steve Asmussen’s Breeders’ Cup runners and worked 5 furlongs in 1:00 2/5 at Santa Anita on Oct. 24.

Under Asmussen, she’s only finished worse than third once in her nine career starts, a fourth-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks (G1 in April.

 

2021 Breeders’ Cup Distaff Profile:

Post position: TBD

Odds: TBD

Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr.

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Owner: Stonestreet Stable (Barbara Banke)

Career record: 9-3-3-2

Career earnings: $1,190,992

Top Equibase speed figure: 109

Pedigree: Curlin-Cavorting, by Bernardini

Color: Bay

Running style: Closer

 

Betting advice: In a race with a hot early pace expected, as a late/stretch runner Clairiere will benefit probably the most. This will be her first start against older fillies and mares, which puts her at a slight disadvantage against the likes of Letruska and Shedaresthedevil. She is nothing if not consistent and deserves a long look for all exotics.

Notes: Stonestreet Stable has run 15 horses in the Breeders’ Cup, its most famous being Curlin; My Miss Aurelia won the 2011 Juvenile Fillies … Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen has seven winners from 61 starters, including Curlin, 2017 Classic winner Gun Runner, 2019 Sprint winner Mitole, 2011 Turf Sprint winner Regally Ready, 2012 Dirt Mile winner Tapizar, and 2014 Distaff winner Untapable … Ricardo Santana, Jr. has two winners from 23 mounts — Fire at Will in last year’s Juvenile Turf and Mitole in the 2019 Sprint.