Strengths: Remarkably consistent and versatile, she’s scored from 5-1/2 furlongs to 1-1/4 miles on dirt and turf. She proved her class with a pair of strong match-ups with eventual Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles in the spring at Oaklawn. An excellent traveler, Pure Clan already has traveled cross-country and handled a worldwide cast in the American Oaks at Hollywood. Perhaps her best attribute is the fact she shows up every start with a strong effort.

Weaknesses: Clearly among the best of her peer group, Pure Clan was untested against older fillies and mares heading into the fall of 2008. More of a grind-it-out performer, she does not zip in and out of spots, thus forcing herself sometimes into traffic or a wait-and-see situation.