Exotics plays for the 2021 Demoiselle Stakes

An excellent field of eight juvenile fillies will go postward in Saturday’s $250,000 Demoiselle S. (G2). The field boasts what looks like numerous very good long-term prospects, as well as a few that might also be up to the task on Saturday.

Demoiselle Exotics Wagers

• $10 exacta 5 with 6 ($10)
• $5 exacta box 5-6 ($10)
• $3 trifecta 5 with 6 with 4, 7, 8 ($9)
• $1 superfecta 5, 6 with 4, 5, 6 with 4, 5, 6 with 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 ($8)

Tempted S. third #5 Nest, one of two players in the field for Todd Pletcher, gets the slight nod to take home the top prize. The Curlin filly has run long in both lifetime tries to date, which includes a stylish debut victory at 1 1/16 miles at Belmont Park. The Kentucky-bred bay was gradually wearing down her foes when defeated by just three-parts of a length most recently, and the move to two-turn racing seems ideal for the talented filly. Irad Ortiz riding adds to the appeal.

#6 Tap the Faith was a $1.25 million yearling purchase who could be well worth the investment. Trained by Christophe Clement, the daughter of Tapit broke slowest from the rail in her unveiling before unleashing a big late burst to come out on top in a one-mile affair. The bay recorded a superb final quarter-mile on that occasion to hint that more distance will aid her as she progresses, and the March foal will be one to hold off late with Joel Rosario back in the irons.

I am not sure that #4 Nostalgic toppled an especially strong field in her initial offering at Belmont Park on October 22, but the Bill Mott pupil surely looked the part during her 7 3/4-length romp. The Godolphin homebred had no early speed, and she didn’t come home in an especially swift time, but the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro passed the eye test in a big way. Jose Ortiz stays aboard.

The pace of the race will come from the outside with Tempted S. second #7 Magic Circle and maiden #8 Full Count Felicia being the swiftest contenders in the cast. I am not in love with either of the duo, but if one shakes free early on, then I could envision a scenario where that one stays on for a minor award. I will toss both in the lower rungs of my vertical plays.