The Breeders’ Cup creates lots of excitement every year. The older horses look for a crowning achievement in these world championships while the youngsters are hoping to establish themselves as a real player in the game. One of the more thrilling aspects of this two-day extravaganza are the Juvenile races because they are the stars of tomorrow. For one well-named filly, being the shining truth is a reality.
And Tell Me Nolies comes into the Breeders’ Cup as perhaps the hottest two-year-old filly in the land. Three consecutive wins with two coming in graded stakes company mean her team has plenty to be excited about. Having good horses is always exciting, but a promising two-year-old creates a little more juice in the tank.
“Of course having a young horse headed to the Breeders’ Cup makes for a little more excitement around the barn”, says trainer Peter Miller. “I don’t think anyone has ever committed suicide because they have a good two-year-old in training.”
The recent success has spoken volumes about the talent level of this daughter of Arrogate. After finishing fourth in her debut at Del Mar on July 23, And Tell Me Nolies came back to win on August 14 with a determined effort again at Del Mar. On September 10, she repeatedly showed a willingness to fight in winning the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante by a head over the heavily favored Home Cooking. Next came an impressive score in the grade 2 Chandelier on October 8 at Santa Anita where a bad trip couldn’t keep her out of the winner’s circle.
“I think her last three races have said a lot about this filly”, says Miller. “She has not had things easy but has found a way to win. At Del Mar she took a lot of dirt but still came through. In her last race she was farther back than we thought she would be and the trip was less than desirable. She overcame a lot and got to the wire first.”
One of the traits that makes And Tell Me Nolies dangerous is her ability to close down the lane. Ground-gobbling strides reminiscent of her father means she is dangerous in any race.
“She has shown the ability to have big moves down the lane for sure”, says Miller. “We think added distance will only be to her benefit.”
A quality horseman that has proven his abilities on the Breeders’ Cup stage, Miller understands the level of competition. Having saddled two winners in 2017 and 2018 (Roy H, Stormy Liberal) and one in 2019 (Belvoir Bay), the California-based conditioner obviously knows how to win. Now his hopes of having a Juvenile Filly as a Cup winner might come true.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity provided by our owner Peter Redekop”, says Miller. “Hopefully we can give him his first Breeders’ Cup winner.”
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies race will be run at Keeneland on November 4.
