Three standout fillies from last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies will face off in the Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday. Meaning, Super Corredora, and Explora headline a quality field over one mile. The race marks a key step on the Kentucky Oaks trail for these 3-year-olds.
The Las Virgenes Stakes brings together a trio of promising 3-year-old fillies who previously competed in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar. In that 1 1/16-mile event, Super Corredora emerged victorious, with Explora finishing second and Meaning placing fourth, 3 3/4 lengths behind the winner.
Meaning, a daughter of Gun Runner out of the Into Mischief mare Figure of Speech, entered the Breeders' Cup with limited experience—just a debut maiden sprint win. Figure of Speech notably placed third in the 2019 Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga. Owned by Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Meaning was acquired for $440,000 at the 2024 Keeneland September yearling sale.
Trainer Michael McCarthy expressed confidence in Meaning's preparation for Sunday's one-mile test. 'It’s obviously a field not big on quantity, but certainly on quality,' McCarthy said. He noted her strong pedigree: 'Obviously her pedigree precedes her being by Gun Runner. And you would think she’ll get better with age and racing.'
For the race, North America's reigning two-time champion jockey Flavien Prat will ride Meaning, who is listed at 7-2 odds, behind favorite Explora at 3-5 and Super Corredora at 3-2. McCarthy believes Meaning's Breeders' Cup performance could have been stronger with a cleaner trip. 'It was a big effort,' he said. 'She got bounced around some a couple furlongs from the wire. I think it made the difference in her running third or fourth, for sure.'
Since December 18, Meaning has completed seven works leading into the Las Virgenes. 'We gave her plenty of time for what’s hopefully a solid 3-year-old campaign this year,' McCarthy added. 'It seems like with every work she just keeps getting better and better. I think we’re where we need to be to get the year started.'
This matchup highlights the depth of talent in the division as these fillies begin their path toward major spring targets like the Kentucky Oaks.
