Vexatious, who upset the now-sidelined Midnight Bisou in the Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) this summer at Saratoga Race Course, will miss a start in the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Keeneland Nov. 7, trainer Jack Sisterson posted on social media.
"Vexatious came up slightly off today," the trainer wrote Oct. 23 in a pair of tweets. "While it appears she might still be able to run, we always prioritize the best interest of the horse and have elected to defer to caution and not compete in the upcoming Breeders Cup.
"While this is a disappointment, we look forward to her coming back healthy and happy for a 2021 campaign and would like to thank Vexatious for a great 2020. Vexatious and the staff would like to wish all the BC runners, especially in her division (Distaff), the very best of luck!!"
The 6-year-old Giant's Causeway mare was twice a stakes winner prior to this year, but was at her best in 2020, particularly during the summer in New York. Prior to her win in the Personal Ensign, she had run second to champion Monomoy Girl in Ruffian Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park July 11.
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Her last start came Sept. 4 in the La Troienne Stakes presented by Oak Grove Racing and Gaming (G1) at Churchill Downs, where she ran fifth, beaten 9 1/4 lengths by Monomoy Girl, the probable Distaff favorite.
Vexatious has made $738,535 for her owner Calumet Farm in winning four of 24 races.
Sisterson, stabled at Keeneland, has trained Vexatious for her past nine starts after she previously raced for Hall of Famer Neil Drysdale.
She likely would have been a mid-priced longshot in the Distaff, a race that is also likely to count Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Swiss Skydiver as one of its other favorites. Harvest Moon, Valiance, Ollie's Candy, Point of Honor, and Dunbar Road are other likely starters.
