How to bet the 2018 Dowager Stakes at Keeneland

Vexatious wins the CTT and TOC Stakes at Del Mar (c) Benoit Photo

A field of 10 turf distaffers will go 1 1/2 miles on the Keeneland lawn in Sunday’s $125,000 Dowager Stakes (G3).

VIVA VEGAS (#1) (8-1) ran arguably her best race to date in preparation of this one. The Derek Ryan-trained Violet Stakes (G3) runner-up has speed and the rail while stretching out to 12 furlongs for the initial time. Tyler Gaffalione will be on board.

ENGLISH AFFAIR (#2) (8-1) has yet to try a marathon distance prior to the Dowager. The English Channel filly is bred to thrive going long, though, and she has some upset appeal. Brian Hernandez Jr. will be in the silks for trainer Rusty Arnold.

SAVANNAH BELLE (#3) (12-1) was fifth in the Glens Falls Stakes (G2) at Saratoga last out for trainer Brian Lynch. The four-year-old former claimer will need a step forward to make an impact beneath Ricardo Santana Jr.

SHEZAPRADO (#4) (12-1) has yet to prove her class with this kind. The Kentucky-bred, one of a trio in this contest from the Mike Maker barn, was beaten by 59 lengths in a lone outing on the Keeneland course.

DARING DUCHESS (#5) (5-2) lacks consistency but can be very dangerous on her best day. The multiple-stakes winning Arch mare moves up if the ground has some give to it. Jose Ortiz riding is cause for optimism.