ELMONT, N.Y., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Jockey John Velazquez says defending Distaff champ Ashado is "doing great."
Ashado is the 2-1 morning line favorite in a 13-horse field in Saturday's $2 million Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Distaff at Belmont Park.
"She's been a great filly for us," said Velazquez. "She's getting a little older and sometimes they don't run their best every time as they get older, but she's doing great."
She galloped 1 3/8 miles Thursday morning.
Trainer Todd Pletcher worried the 4-year-old daughter of Saint Bellado hasn't been as consistent this year as last year.
"The Beldame (her last start) was impressive, but she maybe hasn't been as consistent this year as she was last year," Pletcher said. "It's making for a deep field, but she's used to running in deep fields."
Ashado has the No. 3 post position.
