WATCH FREE

Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf: key quotes from connections

By Racing TV

Last Updated: Fri 30 Oct 2026

Europe’s leading lady Blue Bolt has the chance to cement her legacy in America when she steps up in distance for the Makers Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Andrew Balding’s four-year-old has carried all before her this season, winning six on the spin and dominating the top fillies’ races at a mile in England, France and Ireland.

Left with the choice of taking on the colts and geldings over the distance she has proven unbeatable or stepping up in trip to remain amongst her own sex, the Kingsclere handler elected for the latter, optimistic the extra yards will prove no issue when she attempts to end her phenomenal year on a high.

Balding said: “It wasn’t a straightforward decision (which race to go for), but we felt trying the extra (distance) against fillies was better than taking on the boys over a mile.

“It’s the end of a long season, but we felt she was stronger at the end of her races and that a two-turn track would be within her compass.

“It would have been preferable to be a little further in (than stall 12), but I’m sure Colin (Keane) will work it out.”

Irish 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes heroine Precise has so far struggled to lay a glove on Blue Bolt in their three previous tussles, settling for second in both the Falmouth Stakes and Prix Rothschild.

However, Aidan O’Brien will be hoping for a different outcome when they clash over a new trip, with the daughter of Starspangledbanner second in her first try at further in the Prix de l’Opera earlier this month.

O’Brien said: “We were delighted with her run and Ryan (Moore) had to take his time on her. We have to be happy that she would get nine (furlongs) anyway, and we are looking forward to this race with her.”

Other raiders from Ireland include Ger Lyons’ Red Letter, who like Blue Bolt will sport the silks of Juddmonte, while Willie McCreery sends over Jancis, who was last seen finishing a neck third behind the reopposing Give A Nother (Graham Motion) in Woodbine’s E.P. Taylor Stakes.

Chad Brown’s Kathynmarissa denied Stuart Williams’ Sunlit Uplands in the Flower Bowl Stakes at Belmont and is one of the leading US contenders.

Meanwhile, Oisin Murphy has switched allegiance to the home team to partner Brad Cox’s Bless The Broken, last seen finishing third behind Classic Q (Mark Casse) and Lush Lips (Brendan Walsh) in Keeneland’s First Lady Stakes.

Murphy said: “She’s had some good runs, but you have to respect Precise and especially Blue Bolt, who has been the outstanding filly in Europe this year. It will be interesting to see how the Americans weigh up against the Europeans.”

Charlie Hall Chase: runner-by-runner guide and verdict

Breeders' Cup: assessing Aidan O'Brien's powerful team

2026 Breeders' Cup tips: Rachel Candelora's five best bets

2026 Breeders' Cup tips: Katie Midwinter's selections

RaceiQ: the ten best jumpers over hurdles

Featured offers

Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

New UK customers. Place a £10 real money bet at min. 2.0 odds within 5 days of deposit. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 Single, 2 Accas & 1 Bet Builder (min. 3 selections each). Excludes cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. Credited after bet settlement. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware

Get 50% back up to £50 with QuinnBet

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

New UK Customers Only. Bet £10+ on any sportsbook markets at odds of evens (2.00) or greater. Get 50% back of your first day’s losses as a Free Bet up to £50, valid for 7 days. 18+ GambleAware.

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets + Money Back as a Free Bet if 2nd to SP Fav with BOYLE Sports

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. T&C's apply. 18+. IRE/NI & UK online only. Max Free Bet £/€10. Win or win part of e/w outright singles. 5+ runners. 1st bet on each race. Free/void/antepost bets don't qualify. In event of a dead heat, offer won’t apply. Applies to First Past the Post result. Unnamed 2nd Favs don’t qualify. Acc & Payment restrictions apply. T&Cs apply.

Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with talkSPORT BET

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

New Customers. Opt in, deposit and bet £10+ on any horse racing markets within 7 days of sign up. Get 3 x £10 Free Bets for set horse racing markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ GambleAware

Bet £20 and Get £40 in Free Bets with Unibet

T&Cs Apply

Claim Now

18+. GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £20 debit card or instant banking transfer deposit. Place a £20+ bet on Horse Racing at min odds 2/5 (1.4) each leg for 4x £10 Free Bets (can be used on Racing Bet Builder). Claim within 30 days. Valid for Horse Racing only. Geographical restrictions and Further T&C’s apply

Please bet responsibly

Races

Tips

Watch

Results