Doyle living American dream and won't hear that Street Band can't win Distaff

Breeders' Cup Distaff (Grade 1) | 3yo+ fillies & mares | 1m 1f Dirt | Sky

Sophie Doyle epitomises all that the land of the brave can offer a rider willing to roll up their sleeves and put in the hard yards.

She will arrive at Santa Anita on Saturday night a leading player, charged with taking down the hot favourite Midnight Bisou in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

The 33-year-old, born in Cambridge, will be on Street Band, a three-year-old on whom she plundered a breakthrough Grade 1 success in the Cotillion Stakes at Parx.

The daughter of former trainer Jacqui and sister of Godolphin’s retained rider James, she has carved a lucrative niche for herself.

Last year, Doyle clocked 83 wins and $1,740,401 in purse earnings.

In total, she has ridden 277 Stateside winners for $7.7m in five years. For someone whose career had flatlined after a promising spell as an apprentice in her native Lambourn, Doyle has embraced the American ‘can do’ attitude.

Under a face caked in dirt passing the line that day at Parx in September, Doyle beamed inside.

“If I'd stayed in England, I’d have never got the chance to ride a Group 1 winner or in this race,” she said this week. “The opportunity is amazing.”

Doyle’s work ethic is illustrated by her regular ten-hour round trips from her Arlington base in Chicago to partner Street Band in her work for Larry Jones at Churchill Downs. She has earned this day.

“It has been worth absolutely every minute of those long drives,” Doyle said. “When you get a chance like this, you have to grab it with both hands.”

Midnight Bisou is unbeaten in seven races this year and her presence in this contest compelled connections of Elate to have a stab at the Classic instead. Doyle, though, gives no credence to such a defeatist view.

With plenty of pace in the race, she is hoping it might set up for her mount, who likes to close late.

“Serengetie Empress and Mo See Cat are drawn together, so it would be perfect if they go a good lick,” she said. “Most people view Midnight Bisou as an unbeatable favourite. I see it differently. I can see Street Band in the winner’s circle.”

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