The Grade 3 Jimmy Durante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at a mile on turf - Saturday's fifth race - has a distinct European flavor.

Of the 12 runners, three had their last starts in England, France or Ireland - Italia (1), Cedars of Lebanon (5) and Thriving (7). Another filly, Monette (4), was a stakes winner in France in the summer and second in her U.S. debut in the Grade 3 Matron Stakes at Belmont Park on Oct. 8.

Italia is now trained by Mike Puype and won her only start at Saint-Cloud Racecourse in Paris on Sept. 19, closing between runners to win by a neck at 35-1 in a one-mile race. This was a game effort from a filly who did not have a good trip. Mike Smith has the mount on Italia, who attractive at 8-1 on the morning-line.

Cedars of Lebanon was a three-time winner in Ireland, including a maiden race at a mile at tiny Bellewstown on July 4. She won consecutive starts in sprints at Naas while leading throughout.

Thriving, a $143,000 purchase last month, can be near the pace. She won sprints at minor tracks in July and will start in what will be the longest race of her career.