She Feels Pretty Tops a High-Class Filly & Mare Turf Lineup

Facing a deep and talented field, she goes in search of championship glory, while the Peruvian La Kika looks to rebound after a disappointing U.S. debut.

Peruvian Star La Kika Faces a Fierce Test / BREEDERS' CUP

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario at Del Mar, California)

DEL MAR, California — The final race of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup promises to be a true gem. The GI Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, closing the World Championships at Del Mar, has drawn a formidable field of turf stars, headed by the American standout She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}), who will look to crown a brilliant campaign.

Trained by Cherie DeVaux, the filly arrives with three wins from her last four starts, her lone defeat coming by just a head to Excellent Truth (Cotai Glory) in the GI Diana Stakes at Saratoga. Most recently, she shipped to Canada to capture the GI E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine, holding off a late surge from Diamond Rain (Shamardal), who will reoppose here.

“She’s doing fantastic—she had a beautiful gallop this week, full of energy,” said DeVaux. “Bringing a mare like her here, one that gives everything she has every time, gives you great confidence.”

Europe’s power will again be on full display. From the formidable Charlie Appleby barn comes Cinderella’s Dream(Shamardal), runner-up to Moira (Ghostzapper) in this race last year and seeking redemption after subpar efforts in the GI Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville and the GI Sun Chariot at Newmarket. Fellow British raider See The Fire (Sea The Stars {Ire}), second in the GI Prix de l’Opéra for Andrew Balding, and French contender Gezora (Almanzor {Fr}), who exits an unplaced run in the GI Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, complete a top-class European squad.

After seven years without a win in this event, Chad Brown looks to reclaim the Filly & Mare Turf throne with Village Voice (Zarak {Fr}), recent winner of the GIII Waya Stakes. Rising American hopefuls Mission of Joy (Kitten’s Joy) and Be Your Best (Ire) (Muhaarar) add further depth to an already elite field.

South America will be represented by La Kika (Badge of Silver), the Peruvian mare aiming for redemption after a disappointing U.S. debut, when she finished last—beaten over 40 lengths—in the GII Zenyatta Stakes. A multiple stakes winner at Monterrico, she now hopes to adapt better to Del Mar’s turf and rediscover the form that earned her a ticket to the world stage.

With proven champions, emerging stars, and the international flair of a South American contender, the 2025 Filly & Mare Turf shapes up as a fittingly elegant and dramatic finale for this year’s Breeders’ Cup. As always, the stage is set for a new queen to rise.