The Rise of Pizza Bianca: From Breeders’ Cup Victory to Aqueduct’s Memories of Silver
When it comes to Breeders’ Cup winners, Pizza Bianca may not have the highest profile, despite celebrity chef Bobby Flay being one of its owners. However, this formidable filly proved her worth by winning last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and now she is ready to make her mark in Sunday’s Memories of Silver at Aqueduct’s closing day.
Pizza Bianca’s lack of recognition has nothing to do with Flay, who is as passionate about horse racing and breeding as he is about his culinary skills. Instead, it can be attributed to her victory in what is arguably the least talked about Breeders’ Cup race on the jam-packed event schedule.
But what sets Pizza Bianca apart is her upcoming race, which marks her return to the track after her stunning Breeders’ Cup upset as a 10/1 longshot. Trained by Christophe Clement, Pizza Bianca, the daughter of Australian sire Fastnet Rock, hasn’t competed since triumphing over Irish filly Malavath by a half-length in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. In fact, her win earned lucky exacta bettors who paired her with Malavath a generous payout of $197 for every $1 wagered.
Overcoming Adversity and Defying Odds
Pizza Bianca’s Breeders’ Cup victory was nothing short of remarkable. Positioned at the back of the 14-horse field coming out of the far turn, she unleashed an incredible burst of speed in the final quarter-mile, effortlessly overtaking all 13 of her rivals. It was a testament to her remarkable talent and her ability to overcome adversities and seize victory, even from seemingly impossible positions.
Trainer Christophe Clement was full of praise for Pizza Bianca’s stunning display. “She had an amazing trip. She came from way out of it. Jose (Ortiz) took her to last and the inside opened up,” he shared with the New York Racing Association’s Ryan Martin. “Everything worked out perfectly. She had a good ride, good trip, racing luck, and she’s a good filly. She had a very good turn of luck.”
Although a Breeders’ Cup victory stands on its own, Pizza Bianca’s triumph became even more significant when it was discovered that both the second-place finisher, Malavath, and fourth-place finisher, Cachet, went on to win their subsequent races in Europe, both in Group 3 events. This bolstered the strength of the Breeders’ Cup form, underscoring Pizza Bianca’s exceptional talent and the caliber of competition she faced.
Wrapping Up a Break and Training Forwardly
Following her Breeders’ Cup victory, Pizza Bianca was given a well-deserved break at Florida’s renowned training center, Payson Park. Now, she returns to the track in top form, impressing her trainer during training sessions and showing signs of continued progress.
With an impressive record of 2 wins in 3 career starts, Pizza Bianca has proven her consistency and competitiveness on the racetrack. Her journey began with a successful debut at Saratoga last July, where she showcased her talent and caught the attention of trainer Christophe Clement. He saw her potential and immediately elevated her to the Grade 1 Natalma at Woodbine, bypassing maiden special weight races.
While Pizza Bianca finished second in the Natalma, losing to the British horse Wild Beauty by 2 1/4 lengths, the bold move to compete in such a prestigious race confirmed her ability to excel at the highest level of competition.
Continued Success for Christophe Clement?
As trainer Christophe Clement guides Pizza Bianca to her next challenge in the Memories of Silver, he will be aiming for a remarkable third consecutive victory in this race. Having previously won with Fast Glorious in 2019 and Bubbles On Ice last year, Clement has already established a strong presence in this turf event.
The Memories of Silver not only presents an exciting opportunity for Pizza Bianca to further establish her credentials but also allows Clement to continue his winning streak in this prestigious race. With Pizza Bianca’s recent form and Clement’s demonstrated expertise, the duo promises to be a formidable combination on Aqueduct’s closing weekend.
Conclusion
Pizza Bianca, the underrated Breeders’ Cup champion, is ready to make her mark once again in the Memories of Silver. Her stunning victory in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, overcoming tremendous odds, solidified her reputation as a tenacious and talented filly. With trainer Christophe Clement at the helm, Pizza Bianca has continued to impress during her break and training sessions, indicating her readiness for the upcoming challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pizza Bianca
1. Who is the owner of Pizza Bianca?
Pizza Bianca is co-owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, who is known for his culinary expertise as well as his passion for horse racing and breeding.
2. How did Pizza Bianca perform in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf?
In a stunning upset, Pizza Bianca emerged victorious in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, defeating Irish filly Malavath by a half-length.
3. What is notable about Pizza Bianca’s Breeders’ Cup victory?
Pizza Bianca’s Breeders’ Cup victory was particularly remarkable because she was last in the 14-horse field coming out of the far turn. However, she unleashed an impressive burst of speed in the final quarter-mile, passing all 13 of her rivals to secure the victory.
4. How has Pizza Bianca performed in her previous races?
Pizza Bianca boasts an impressive record of 2 wins in 3 career starts. She won her debut race at Saratoga and finished second in the Grade 1 Natalma at Woodbine.
5. What are the expectations for Pizza Bianca in the Memories of Silver?
Pizza Bianca is expected to continue her success in the Memories of Silver and further solidify her credentials as a talented turf filly. Trainer Christophe Clement has displayed confidence in her abilities, and her recent training suggests she is prepared for the upcoming challenge.
