Photo by: Bill Vassar

Trainer James Cassidy Jockey Patrick Valenzuela Owner Don Van Racing, Inc. Breeder L.A.C. International (Ire) Recent Race History Date Race Finish 05.29 Bay Meadows Oaks 1st 04.05 Prix Blanche @ Marseille-Borely (France) 1st 03.16 Prix Dorina @ Saint-Cloud (France) 2nd

Starter Analysis

Sol Mi Fa h1as been worse than third only once in eight lifetime starts, but has never faced graded stakes company. She's raced in the States only once after beginning her career in France. Her U.S. debut was a good one, winning the Bay Meadows Breeders' Cup Oaks in driving fashion. At 8-1, she's the shorter price of the pair of Jim Cassidy trained entries (Galileo's Star is 20-1). While it's difficult to knock her consistency, for the most part, she was competing at the minor tracks in France. Cassidy was able to secure the service of top jock Pat Valenzuela, always a plus, and the crafty trainer has won this race in the past with Ticker Tape. Sol Mi Fa's French form says she will be placed in mid-pack before launching a final bid. That tactic will serve her well, and she'll need to fire her best shot to have a say in the outcome. Playing for a minor award.

Pedigree Analysis :: Dark Bay or Brown filly, 3; by Distant Music - Sil Sila (Marju (Ire))

Sol Mi Fa is the lone winner of three foals from her dam Sil Sila. Sil Sila is a granddaughter of Last Tycoon, winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile (GI) that recently passed away in Japan. The Irish-bred Sil Sila won three of seven starts, including a Group One event in France at three. The presence of Powerscourt (IRE) as the third dam of Sol Mi Fa could lead to confusion among racing fans who recall that being the name of the Arlington Million (GI) champ, but the Irish mare is several generations removed from her more famous male counterpart. So Mi Fa's pedigree does show a bit of shading towards shorter distance, particularly on the top male side, but the bottom of her female side is a nice counterbalance that should give her a good blend of early turn of foot and stamina.