BC Berth Up for Grabs in Chandelier

With three undefeated runners and several other strong contenders signed on, Saturday's renewal of Santa Anita's GI Chandelier S., which offers a guaranteed spot in the gate for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies here Nov. 5, appears to be a wide open affair. Bob Baffert seeks his 10th victory in this event and will saddle two very strong chances to achieve that mark in “TDN Rising Stars” American Cleopatra (Pioneerof the Nile) and Noted and Quoted (The Factor). A full-sister to Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year American Pharoah, American Cleopatra was an impressive debut winner over Union Strike (Union Rags) at Del Mar July 31, but was forced to settle for second last time when that rival came running late to win the Sept. 3 GI Del Mar Debutante S. by 2 1/4 lengths. Fourth in her July 16 Del Mar unveiling, Speedway Stable's Noted and Quoted romped by 9 1/2 lengths next out there Aug. 7 and was fourth last time in the Del Mar Debutante. The gray enters off a best-of-27 five-furlong breeze in :59 2/5 here Sept. 27.

Also exiting the Debutante is third-place finisher Champagne Room (Broken Vow), trained by Peter Eurton. Second when debuting in the same July 16 Del Mar test as Noted and Quoted, the bay broke her maiden with a win in the GII Sorrento S. Aug. 6 prior to her effort in the Debutante last time.

Leading the trio of unbeaten runners is LNJ Foxwoods' With Honors (War Front), who is two-for-two on grass thus far in her young career. Opening her account with a half-length success over the Del Mar lawn, the Keith Desormeaux pupil won that venue's Juveile Fillies Turf S. by the same margin last time Sept. 5. Also looking to remain perfect is Zapperkat (Ghostzapper), who romped by 5 1/4 lengths in her Del Mar unveiling Aug. 20; and Bitzka (Tiago), who was claimed by Hronis Racing and John Sadler for $62,500 after a debut win at Del Mar Aug. 25 and followed suit with a victory in the Barretts Debutante S. Sept. 17.