Street Band wins $1 million Cotillion S. (G1) and trip to Breeders’ Cup

Street Band was the latest Kentucky-bred to earn an automatic berth for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup when the 3-year-old filly bested an all-star field to win the $1 million Cotillion S. (G1) at Parx on Saturday afternoon.

The victory assured the daughter of Istan a starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), which runs Nov. 2 at Santa Anita Park.

Facing a field that included the likes of Guarana, Bellafina, Serengeti Empress and Jaywalk, Street Band was at the back of the 11-horse field through the first half-mile, with Jaywalk setting the pace of :46.27. Jaywalk gave up the lead to Bellafina and Guarana soon after, but in the meantime Street Band was accelerating quickly from far back.

Midway on the bend, Street Band was only about three lengths from the lead, and by the time they straightened for home, she collared Guarana and forged past, winning by 2 1/4-lengths on the wire.

Trainer Larry Jones explained afterward how Street Band has matured to this point.

“The biggest thing about this family is that it matures late,” said Jones. “I had the whole family and we have not been in a super hurry with her. The only time we really pushed her was at Fair Grounds and see if we could get her ready for the [Kentucky] Oaks. And then we could call it the way we would want it and pick our spots… we will see and give her off a little bit to [the Breeders’ Cup at] Santa Anita.”

Jones continued, “I trained her mother and she had six foals before this one and they ask why do I keep this mare? And I said it was one of the fastest horses I have ever trained. I had her at the same time I had [GISW] Hard Spun. She was as fast as Hard Spun and would outwork him sometimes, but it took a long time to prove it.”

Jones was referring to Street Band’s dam Street Minstrel, who has had six foals to race, all winners. Street Band has a juvenile full-sister named Street Missy,. Her dam had foals the last two years by Summer Front, including a colt who sold Monday at Keeneland September for $100,000.

Jones and his wife also bred and own Street Band, along with Ray Francis. Medallion Racing and MyRaceHorse Stable are also part owners. She is now 5-0-3 in 12 starts and with Saturday’s big payday, became racing’s newest millionaire, at $1,106,425.