Two stories out today about both The Factor and Awesome Feather completing their comebacks from injuries suffered in the past year.
First, The Factor has eyes on Breeders’ Cup Sprint in Ancient Title. I've always thought he was a really good mover. I was excited for him to be in the hunt for the Triple Crown, but with his injury and the fact that he's shaped up to be a sprinter excluded him. But, now that he's really back, it's great to see him out there again.
Second, Awesome Feather successful in comeback. She was as successful as any 2yo filly in recent history (and she's still undefeated.)
But clearly, these two shake up the Breeder's Cup a bit. The Factor is going to be in the Sprint, I don't think there's even a discussion about that one. But does Awesome Feather get a bid in the Ladies' Classic? I really don't know, but if I owned her (FYI: Frank Stronach bought her for $2.3-million at the Fasig-Tipton Fall Sale in 2010) I'd be eager to get her back to the high level of racing at which she is capable of competing. The Le Slew Stakes (which, admittedly, is an ungraded stakes race) was her first start this year, so she may come up short on the requisite experience as a 3yo to get the invite. This race was only 7f, so maybe she's better suited for the F&M Sprint, also at 7f. There probably isn't enough time to get her another prep race before BC on November 4th and 5th, so who knows. But if I ran BC, I'd invite her to the sprint, since she's clearly the class of her peers, when healthy.
Despite all of the uncertainty surrounding the Classic contenders throughout the year, there certainly are enough intriguing story lines to pique my interest in the weeks leading up to the meet.