A closer look at the Shantel Lanerie Memorial Stakes

The feature race Saturday at Fair Grounds is the $60,000 Shantel Lanerie Memorial for 3-year-old fillies.

The 1-mile turf test has attracted seven starters, with two-time graded winner Alms looming as a formidable favorite.

Hoping to cash a ticket on this enticing race? Let’s analyze the field and come up with a play.

The Contenders

#1 Maga Suit (20-1)

This daughter of Palace Malice won her lone start on turf last fall, when she claimed a 5 1/2-furlong maiden sprint at Churchill Downs with an 82 Brisnet Speed rating. She faded badly in her lone route run, but that was a quality renewal of the Silverbulletday S. on dirt. Her pedigree suggests she can stay a mile, so perhaps a return to the lawn will make a difference.

#2 American Legend (12-1)

She’s been unremarkable sprinting on dirt, but the switch to grass offers potential for improvement. American Legend is a daughter of American Pharoah, who sires a hefty 18% winners on grass, and trainer Bernard Flint has been on fire at Fair Grounds this winter, with 26% winners so far.

#3 Lady Jenneviere (12-1)

She ran OK in a couple turf maiden races in Kentucky last year, but struggled home fourth in an allowance race over this course and distance Jan. 17. She will need to take a step forward for hot trainer Brad Cox.

#4 Pass the Plate (5-1)

She is undefeated in two starts running long on grass and wasn’t disgraced when she came in 4 1/4 lengths behind three-time stakes winner Finite in the Jan. 18 Silverbulletday on dirt. The stretch-running daughter of Temple City fired a bullet workout Saturday and can be a threat from off the pace.

#5 Alms (6-5)

The undefeated Godolphin homebred is undefeated in three starts under the care of trainer Michael Stidham, which includes wins in the Matron (G3) and Jimmy Durante (G3). With Brisnet Speed ratings of 98, 84, and 91, this well-bred daughter of City Zip towers over her opposition and figures to land in the winner’s circle at a short price.

 

#6 Dominga (4-1)

She overcame a stumbling start and a wide trip to cruise by two lengths in a Dec. 5 allowance race over this course and distance. A frontrunning maiden winner going long at Churchill Downs, Dominga looks best among the two Cox trainees and is a must-use in exotics.

#7 Trickle In (7-2)

The second Stidham filly is undefeated in two starts against easier company. She secured a frontrunning allowance victory over this course and distance Jan. 17 but benefited from a very slow pace. The waters will be deeper this time, and American Legend figures to apply pace pressure.

The Play

Alms will be tough to beat, if she brings anything close to her "A" game, so we’ll key her on top in the trifecta. Underneath, Dominga and Pass the Plate are the two we’ll favor, but we’ll also try to get Maga Suite or American Legend involved at a price.

$3 Trifecta: 5 with 4,6 with 1,2,4,6,7 ($24)
$3 Trifecta: 5 with 4,6 with 4,6 ($6)

Good luck!