As the racing season transitions from the 2026 Breeders' Cup to the eagerly anticipated 2027 spring classics, attention naturally turns to the rising stars of the sport. This detailed examination delves into the finest two-year-old fillies, assessing their recent achievements and potential trajectories toward the Kentucky Oaks. While the Kentucky Derby often captures the spotlight, the fillies vying for the Oaks deserve equal recognition. This report evaluates ten promising contenders, considering their past performances, tactical abilities, and genetic predispositions for success in upcoming, longer-distance events.
Emphatic, an unbeaten filly with four victories, stands out following her impressive win at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). Her rapid acceleration on the final turn secured her a commanding lead, solidifying her position as a leading candidate for the Eclipse Award. Trained by Brendan Walsh, this Pennsylvania-bred, sired by Nyquist out of Convinced, has demonstrated her resilience and speed in back-to-back Grade 1 triumphs. Her pedigree, tracing back to Uncle Mo, suggests she possesses the stamina to excel in longer races during her three-year-old season.
Miss Monica, a promising talent from Bob Baffert's stable, dispelled initial doubts about her stamina with a remarkable rally for second place in the Breeders' Cup. Despite coming from a background of only two sprint races in California, her performance around two turns was exceptional. This Grade 1 winner, by Early Voting out of Lipstikliesnlovers, showcased her athletic prowess and is expected to build on her dominant victory in the Del Mar Debutante (G1), possibly competing in the Starlet (G2) at Los Alamitos.
Summer Starlet, ranked third, has achieved two impressive wins at Saratoga, including the prestigious Spinaway Stakes (G1). Although these victories were in sprints, her strong finishes indicated potential for longer distances. An inflamed tendon unfortunately sidelined her from a Breeders' Cup rematch with Emphatic, but expectations are high for her return after a 90-day recovery period. Her trainer, Steve Asmussen, anticipates she will thrive with increased ground.
Dotsy, an undefeated filly from Finger Lakes, has rapidly ascended to the highest levels of racing. Trained by John Grabowski, she secured a maiden win at Saratoga before triumphing in the Frizette Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. Despite missing the Breeders' Cup due to a minor setback, her strong pedigree, tracing to Tacitus and Fusaichi Pegasus, and robust physique suggest she will adapt well to longer distances, even though she has yet to compete in a two-turn race.
Wharfie, a Godolphin homebred trained by Bill Mott, is showing steady improvement. This stakes winner at Churchill Downs, by Essential Quality out of Waterside, has demonstrated a growing aptitude for longer distances. Her performances suggest she will mature and improve further with age and increased race distances.
Manuka Honey, trained by Brian Lynch, has proven her mettle with stakes wins at Ellis Park and Churchill Downs. Despite a less-than-ideal trip in the Breeders' Cup, she battled through traffic to secure a respectable third place. Her ability to dominate sprints and outlast competition in longer races indicates a promising career ahead.
Flightress, a $350,000 yearling purchase, has shown consistent improvement under the guidance of veteran trainer Shug McGaughey. This well-bred chestnut filly, by Flightline out of Salty As Can Be, recently won a 1 1/16-mile race, setting her up for future success in two-turn events. Further development is anticipated for this promising contender.
Domain Expansion, a filly with only one win from three starts, delivered a spectacular performance in her lone victory, an impressive seven-length romp in the Oak Leaf Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita. Although her subsequent Breeders' Cup performance was not her best, trainer Leonard Powell expects her to bounce back with more time. Her strong debut on turf and subsequent graded stakes success highlight her potential.
Foxiest, bred from champions Gun Runner and Covfefe, has shown flashes of talent despite only one win in three starts. Trainer Brad Cox believes in her potential, and her mid-pack finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, despite an early stumble, suggests she gained valuable experience. She is expected to improve significantly with further racing and maturity.
Gun Broker, while still a maiden after two starts, is considered a dark horse with significant potential. This $450,000 purchase, by Gun Runner out of Coin Broker, has consistently faced strong competition and finished second in both her races at Belmont Park. Trainer Danny Gargan anticipates she will benefit from increased distances and maturity, making her a strong contender in upcoming nine-furlong races like the Demoiselle (G2).