Winter Memories Draws Post 7 in JF Turf

Winter Memories, the impressive winner of the Miss Grillo Stakes (gr. IIIT), was made the 2-1 morning line favorite for the Nov. 5 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr. II). The daughter of El Prado, who is a Phillips Racing Partnership homebred, will break from post 7 in the $1 million race at mile.

“I’d rather be the favorite than a longshot,” said Winter Memories’ trainer, Jimmy Toner. “She’s done everything right so far. She looks good, is training good, and comes into the race as good as we could expect. I think we drew a good post position. It’s in the middle; I’m happy with that. We just have to get lucky and get the trip.”

Toner also trained Winter Memories’ grade I-winning dam, Memories of Silver (by Silver Hawk), who was fifth in the 1996 Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT). Toner did win the inaugural Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) with Soaring Softly in 1999.

The 5-1 second choice, breaking from the No. 13 post, is Together, a group III winner in Ireland. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, she is owned by Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier, and Michael Tabor.

Will Phipps, the trainer of Kinsman Stable’s homebred Fancy Point, a 15-1 longshot, wasn’t concerned much about post position. She drew No. 9.

“We’re in!” he said. “I’m just thrilled she’s one of 14.”