While several colts have tried the Dubai-to-Kentucky route for the Kentucky Derby (USA-I), we usually don't hear much about fillies taking a similar path. However, that may change depending on how Polar River comes out from her next race, the UAE Oaks (UAE-III) on March 3. The daughter of Kentucky sire Congrats made a public workout of the UAE One Thousand Guineas (UAE-L) on February 11, showing a brilliant turn of foot as she put away four overmatched rivals in a matter of a few strides with 600 meters to go. After that, Polar River simply coasted home under a hand ride to win by 13 lengths.
One may certainly question the quality of her opposition, but it's worth noting that the filly bettered the time of Market Ride's visually impressive score in the UAE Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-III) by a full second. She may have a chance to prove her superiority head-to-head, too, as her connections have not ruled out a tilt against the boys in the UAE Derby (UAE-II) if she wins the Oaks in similar style to yesterday's romp. Nor is an invasion of the United States out of the question, though Polar River would more likely go to the Longines Kentucky Oaks (USA-I) than the Kentucky Derby. A win in the UAE Oaks would give her 50 points toward a starting slot in the Kentucky Oaks, probably enough to guarantee her a berth.
According to the veteran form judges at Timeform, Polar River would still need substantial improvement to tackle American champion 2-year-old filly Songbird, who at this point in their respective careers is rated 8 pounds higher. As a maternal granddaughter of 2003 Belmont Stakes (USA-I) winner Empire Maker, however, Polar River is likely to continue improving with maturity and distance.
Polar River reverses the cross of Empire Maker over daughters and granddaughters of A.P. Indy which has resulted in multiple champion Royal Delta and Grade I winners Emollient and Bodemeister, and it will be interesting to see if this continues to provide success as sons and grandsons of A.P. Indy are bred to Empire Maker mares. In the meantime, Polar River has established her status as a filly to watch on the way to the Kentucky Oaks and its garland of "Lilies for the Fillies."
One may certainly question the quality of her opposition, but it's worth noting that the filly bettered the time of Market Ride's visually impressive score in the UAE Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-III) by a full second. She may have a chance to prove her superiority head-to-head, too, as her connections have not ruled out a tilt against the boys in the UAE Derby (UAE-II) if she wins the Oaks in similar style to yesterday's romp. Nor is an invasion of the United States out of the question, though Polar River would more likely go to the Longines Kentucky Oaks (USA-I) than the Kentucky Derby. A win in the UAE Oaks would give her 50 points toward a starting slot in the Kentucky Oaks, probably enough to guarantee her a berth.
According to the veteran form judges at Timeform, Polar River would still need substantial improvement to tackle American champion 2-year-old filly Songbird, who at this point in their respective careers is rated 8 pounds higher. As a maternal granddaughter of 2003 Belmont Stakes (USA-I) winner Empire Maker, however, Polar River is likely to continue improving with maturity and distance.
Polar River reverses the cross of Empire Maker over daughters and granddaughters of A.P. Indy which has resulted in multiple champion Royal Delta and Grade I winners Emollient and Bodemeister, and it will be interesting to see if this continues to provide success as sons and grandsons of A.P. Indy are bred to Empire Maker mares. In the meantime, Polar River has established her status as a filly to watch on the way to the Kentucky Oaks and its garland of "Lilies for the Fillies."
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