Breeders Cup Distaff: Have a proper laugh at this gas at 6/1

The most consistent dirt filly in training – boasting a record of 8 wins, 6 seconds, and 3 thirds from a total of 17 lifetime starts – just got even better.

Last night at Saratoga racecouse, the Mark Casse-trained filly Nitrogen put on a freakshow in the G1 Ogden Phipps, stopping the clock at under 1:47 over 9 furlongs and hammering her nearest rival to the tune of roughly thirteen lengths. And for good measure, she was giving weight away to the entire field.

What looked extraordinary on the eye has come back just as sensational when converted in to speed figures. As befits a performance that was some two seconds faster than the G1 Acorn Stakes (for 3yo fillies) on the same card, Nitrogen has now been awarded a 114 Beyer figure.

This is the highest figure assigned to any racehorse of any age or gender in the US this year. As far as The AntePoster can ascertain, no filly or mare has posted anything like this kind of number for many, many years. Even the great Thorpedo Anna posted "only" a 111 Beyer figure in her huge Travers Stakes performance two years ago.

The Ogden Phipps was a "win and you're in" for the Breeders Cup Distaff at Keeneland in November – not that connections will need that additional bit of encouragement. Subject to staying fit and healthy, she will surely start a very heavy favourite for that race.

The 6/1 available is an astoundingly generous price for the best dirt distaffer in training to avenge her runner-up position in the Breeders Cup Distaff at Del Mar last November. We don't expect it to last long.

Antepost recommendation for the Breeders Cup Distaff, Keeneland, 31 October

Back Nitrogen at 6/1 (win only) with Paddy Power or Skybet. Take anything down to 4/1.

[ignore the 7/1 theoretically available with Unibet on oddschecker: they have suspended Breeders Cup prices for the weekend with so much G1 action taking place at Saratoga]