The fillies and mares in the Distaff are a solid if not exceptional group.  Capable of top notch performances, several of the leading contenders are exiting disappointing or sub-par preps.  The clear standout is the deserving favorite, Fleet Indian, winner of eight straight along the Atlantic coast and mid-West, including two consecutive Grade 1s at the Distaff distance.  There are nine Grade 1 winners entered, any of which could win with a return to top form.  Pool Land is perhaps the leading challenger with the best last race PF; however, she failed in her only try beyond a mile and a sixteenth after taking the lead at the three-eighths pole.  Happy Ticket failed last out at the distance and was trounced in last year's Distaff, both Grade 1s.  She did win a Grade 2 by a head at nine furlongs in June at Churchill Downs.  Spun Sugar at her best is a threat and should improve in her second start after a layoff.  Pine Island is another capable of stepping up.  Along with those mentioned, plus Round Pond and Balletto, she has surpassed the par PF for the distance.  Balletto is especially interesting.  A previous Grade 1 winner, she hasn't won this year in six tries but has finished second in three Grade 1s in a row at nine and ten furlongs.  She comes in with the co-second highest last race PF and she is the choice.  Her off-the-pace running style fits well with the early speed style of Fleet Indian, Bushfire, Healthy Addiction and Pool Land.