How to bet the 2021 Pucker Up Stakes

Eight three-year-old fillies will run 1 1/8 miles on the Arlington Park green in Saturday’s $100,000 Pucker Up S. (G3). The race for the ladies lacks a standout and looks to be a decent betting opportunity on a massive day of racing.

#6 Shesa Mystery is just that as she makes her first turf run for conditioner Rick Hiles. The talented daughter of Verrazano has shown marked improvement in each lifetime try to date, capped by a sharp runner-up showing in the Iowa Oaks (G3) last time out behind the fine filly Army Wife. She is out of a nice mare and kin to a pair of turf winners, so the transition to the lawn should be seamless. In addition, the chestnut filly is fast and will have every chance to lead this field from start-to-finish with Edgar Morales in the controls.

The Chad Brown-trained #3 Shantisara ran a good one when rallying into a dawdling pace to be a clear second in the Boiling Spring S. at Monmouth in her U. S. debut. The Irish-bred bay daughter of Coulsty has trained forwardly in the interim, and she should have a more honest tempo to rally at on Saturday in her graded stakes debut. The presence of Flavien Prat in the silks is an obvious plus.

#1 Oyster Box is consistent for Graham Motion and draws a fine rail slot. The well-bred Gainesway color bearer has never run a bad one, and will be well placed at the top of the lane to make an impact late. Luis Saez will take the reins aboard the daughter of Tapit, which is a bonus.

Three-time stakes-placed #4 Flown was a smart second in the Hatoof S. on the oval in preparation for Saturday, and the Walsh pupil is a top-three must use under Beschizza. The chestnut daughter of Kitten’s Joy has won or placed in six-of-seven starts in her career, and she has some versatility in her running style, as well.

Pucker Up Wagers

• $10 win and place #6 Shesa Mystery ($20)
• $3 exacta key box 6 with 1,3,4 ($18)
• 20-cent superfecta 3,6 with 1,3,4,6 with 1,3,4,6 with all ($12)