Filly: The Other Horse In The Race

When most people think about horse racing, the first thing that comes to mind is the Triple Crown. Three races - the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes - that are all run in a row throughout the spring. But there's another race that's often overlooked, even though it can be just as exciting: The Filly Classic.

The Filly Classic is a race for fillies only, meaning it's open to female horses who are three or four years old. It's run at distances of 1 1/16 miles (the same as the Kentucky Derby), and features some of the best young horses in the country.

The 2017 edition of the Filly Classic was won by Justify, who would go on to win the Kentucky Derby and become one of the most famous race horses in history. Other notable winners include Rachel Alexandra (2009) and Lady Aurelia (2017), who both went on to win Horse of the Year honors.

So if you're looking for something a little more exciting than your average horse race, make sure to check out the Filly Classic. You won't be disappointed!

Filly Leads Derby Charge

The Fillies led the charge on the first Saturday of Kentucky Derby week, with four of the top five betting choices in the morning line at Churchill Downs.

Mining My Own taking early honors at 6-1 in the morning line from Chad Brown's barn. Emmy Award-winning television personality and handicapper Mike Battaglia said, "I really like her. She ran well against males last time ( allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park on March 10 ). I think she'll improve going a mile and an eighth."

Next up in the betting at 7-1 is Elate, who has twice won the Breeders' Cup Distaff (the Fillies and Mares equivalent of the Kentucky Derby). Last out she ran second to Abel Tasman in the grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks. Trainer Bill Mott said, "She had a very good work last weekend (five furlongs in :59 3/5 at Churchill Downs) and came back happy. We'll see how she comes out of it, but we're pointing for the Kentucky Oaks."

Two horses share third choice at 8-1, Rushing Fall and Abel Tasman. The former is undefeated in four starts including wins in both the Saratoga juvenile filly stakes and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, while Abel Tasman has won five of six races including three grade 1 stakes -the Santa Anita Oaks, Las Virgenes Stakes, and Ashland Stakes .

Fourth choice at 9-1 is Marley's Freedom , winner of two of her three starts including the grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Fifth choice at 10-1 is Elnaawi , who broke her maiden by nearly eight lengths going 6 1/2 furlongs at Turfway Park before finishing second beaten three lengths going 1 1/16 miles on a sloppy track in the Kentucky Juvenile Fillies Stakes there last out.

Why Filly Will Win The Kentucky Derby

This year's Kentucky Derby is full of surprises. There are many horses that could win, but I believe that Filly will be the ultimate victor.

Filly is a three-year-old filly who has some impressive stats. She has won four out of her six races and she has never finished outside of the money. She is also the daughter of Point Given, who was a distinguished racehorse in his own right.

Not only does Filly have an impressive pedigree, but she also has an excellent jockey. Joel Rosario is one of the most successful jockeys in the world and he knows how to get the best out of his horses.

Rosario has been in superb form recently, winning major races such as the Breeders' Cup Classic and the Pegasus World Cup. He will be looking to continue his hot streak with a victory in the Kentucky Derby.

In my opinion, Filly is an outstanding horse and she definitely has what it takes to win this prestigious race. She is poised for victory and I am confident that she will cross the finish line first on May 5th.

FDNY's Bravest Filly Wins Belmont Stakes

In a thrilling upset victory Saturday at Belmont Park, the big, beautiful bay filly crossed the finish line first, becoming the first female racehorse in history to win the marquee race of American thoroughbred racing.

Fire Department of New York's Bravest Filly, bred and owned by the FDNY, had been pointing to this day for months. She had run well in several major prep races, most notably finishing second in both the Aqueduct and Kentucky Derbys.

But no one gave her much of a chance against the heavy favorites in the Belmont, including champion three-year-old colt Justify and Preakness winner War of Will.

At post time Bravest Filly was listed at odds of 12-1, but she came home a clear winner, upsetting those longshots to pay off at 38-1. Jockey Junior Alvarado never gave her up, guiding her through a frenzied finish to pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory.

"I knew she had it in her," said Alvarado after the race. "She's a fighter."

Bravest Filly is only the second filly ever to win the Belmont Stakes, following Rags to Riches in 2007. But she is easily the most unlikely victor in that race's history, given her long odds and unproven record against much tougher competition.

"This is a dream come true," said Bravest Filly's trainer Gary Contessa after the race. "The FDNY has always been close to my heart, and I'm just so proud of this amazing filly."

What It Takes To Be A Champion Filly

In horse racing, there are three classic divisions: the pacers, trotters and gallopers. Within each division, there are different categories or breeds of horses. Thoroughbreds dominate the world of flat racing, while standardbreds prevail in harness racing. However, there is one other breed that is making a name for itself in both divisions: the quarter horse.

There are many things that set quarter horses apart from other horses. They are considered the most versatile of all breeds because they can be used for both racing and working cattle. They are also known for their speed and agility — they can reach speeds of up to 44 miles per hour. Additionally, quarter horses have a strong stamina and can run a long distance without tiring.

One of the most famous quarter horses is American Pharoah. In 2015, American Pharoah became the first horse to win all three legs of the U.S. Triple Crown: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. He is also the only horse to ever win the Breeders' Cup Classic twice. After his Triple Crown victory, American Pharoah was retired from racing and is now living out his days at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky.

While American Pharoah is clearly one of the best-known quarter horses in recent history, he is by no means the only champion in this breed. Here are some other notable quarter horses that have achieved success in racing and/or working cattle:

• Royal Shake Em: Winner of the 2009 All American Quarter Horse Congress Futurity and 2010 All American Quarter Horse Congress Derby; also won six races at Los Alamitos Race Course

• Jess A Toast: Winner of eight races at Los Alamitos Race Course; also won $226,452 in purse money

• Bugs Alive In 75: Winner of four races at Remington Park Racetrack; also won $147,582 in purse money

As you can see, there is no shortage of champions when it comes to quarter horses. If you're looking for a fast, agile and versatile horse that can achieve success in both flat racing and harness racing, then a quarter horse may be just what you're looking for!