How to bet the 2022 Rags to Riches Stakes

An especially talented field of eight juvenile fillies will go postward in Sunday’s $200,000 Rags to Riches S. at Churchill Downs. The 1 1/16-mile affair attracted a nice group of prospects in what could be a fine betting endeavor featuring numerous win contenders.

I liked how #2 Peacock Lass showed marked improvement in a one-mile maiden special weight assignment second time out for Rodolphe Brisset, and I will tab her for a repeat victory in this affair. By American Pharoah, the May foal jumped out to the lead early and never looked back en route to securing a facile four-length tally in her graduating performance, and she will appreciate the added distance on this occasion, too.

The Kentucky-bred bay has put in a trio of morning moves since that showing and gets a good post slot with which to work with from just off the rail. This field possesses a lot of early foot so the top pick will likely have to settle early on, and I expect her to be comfortable from off of the early tempo. Tyler Gaffalione will get the filly to save ground early before taking command late.

#1 Hoosier Philly ran to her even-money price at first asking when driving home a smart, 1 3/4-length winner in a 5 1/2-furlong dash on the oval. Trained by Tom Amoss, the $510,000 yearling buy gave the impression of a fine prospect that will only improve with distance and seasoning, and she seems poised to give a good account of herself while making her stakes debut in this offering.

The daughter of Into Mischief comes into the tilt with two bullet morning drills as of late and will benefit from having the rail post to save ground throughout, too. The gray filly will have Edgar Morales in the stirrups and tracking the pace from the opening bell.

#7 Fun and Feisty romped in the Pocahontas S. (G3) two races back prior to failing to fire in the Alcibiades S. (G1) in her most recent offering. The Kenny McPeek pupil possesses a fine turn of foot and will likely have a fast and contested pace to rally into, so her best effort could yield a big reward with Brian Hernandez Jr. inheriting the ride.

Rags to Riches Wagers

• $6 exacta key box: 2 with 1,7 ($24)
• $2 trifecta: 2 with 1,7 with all ($24)
• $1 trifecta: 2 with all with 1,7 ($12)