Stardom Bound Rivals Halfbridled Stature

BC Juvenile Fillies Win Fastest In Eight Years; Fifth Best All Time

Oct 27, 2008

The 25th running of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies was an eye-opener as Stardom Bound shot to stardom in less than two minutes in a commanding, sweeping victory.

Only four fillies have run the Breeders' Cup World Championships Juvenile Fillies in faster time than this year's winner, Stardom Bound. The gray filly sired by Tapit ran the 1-1/16 miles race over synthetic Pro-Ride in 1:40.99, two ticks faster than the brilliant, highly-touted Halfbridled in 2003.

Stardom Bound's time was the fifth fastest in history behind record holder Twilight Ridge (1985 -- 1:35-4/5)), and Cash Run (1999), Epitome (1987), and Outstandingly (1984). In addition, Stardom Bound recorded the fastest time since 1999, when Cash Run went in 1:36.32.

Juvenile Fillies History of Winners and Times

In the history of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies race, only four two-year-olds have beaten the time for the 1-1/16 contest of this year's winner, Stardom Bound. A list of previous winners and times follows:

2007 -- Indian Blessing, 1:44.73; 2006 -- Dreaming of Anna, 1:43.81; 2005 -- Folklore, 1:43.85; 2004 -- Sweet Catomine, 1:41.65; 2003 -- Halfbridled, 1:42.75; 2002 -- Storm Flag Flying, 1:49.60; 2001 -- Tempera, 1:41.49; 2000 -- Caressing, 1:42.77; 1999 -- Cash Run, 1:36.32; 1998 -- Silverbulletday, 1:43.68; 1997 -- Countess Diana, 1:42.11; 1996 -- Storm Song, 1:43.60; 1995 -- My Flag, 1:42.55; 1994 -- Flanders, 1:45.28; 1993 -- Phone Chatter, 1:43.08; 1992 -- Eliza, 1:42.93; 1991 -- Pleasant Stage, 1:46.48; 1990 -- Meadow Star, 1:44; 1989 -- Go for Wand, 1:44-1/5; 1988 -- Open Mind, 1:46-3/5; 1987 -- Epitome, 1:36-2/5; 1986 -- Brave Raj, 1:43-1/5; 1985 -- Twilight Ridge, 1:35-4/5; 1984 -- Outstandingly, 1:37-4/5.

(Note: In 1984, 1985, and 1987, the BC Juvenile Fillies race was contested at a distance of one mile.)

Stardom Bound Raised Eyebrows From Get-Go

Trainer Christopher Paasch plucked Stardom Bound out of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. offerings of March and immediately told owner Carles Cono to hang his hat on her, assuring the 85-year-old Cono that she was set to take on Dream Express and Sky Diva, the best of the juvenile crop.

Paasch was right. Stardom Bound bounded through the BC Juvenile Fillies like an express train in the lane after conquering the final turn. She bore down on Dream Express like a diving eagle and pressed to an impressive score by 1-1/2 lengths while still gobbling up ground.

Sky Diva finished third and completed her first trip on synthetics. Dave's Revenge was a photo look in fourth position.

Stardom Bound's three-year-old season should be as closely followed as that of a galloping Halfbridled. Having already won over $1 million, Stardom Bound has scored three times from five starts.

The copyright of the article Stardom Bound Rivals Halfbridled Stature in Thoroughbred Racing is owned by BarbaraAnne Helberg. Permission to republish Stardom Bound Rivals Halfbridled Stature in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.