How to bet the 2022 Spinster Stakes

Malathaat winning the 2021 Ashland (G1) at Keeneland (Photo by Coady Photography)

October 8th, 2022

A compact field of five will vie in Sunday’s $600,000 Spinster S. (G1) at Keeneland. The 1 1/8-mile race is led by a pair of Grade 1 heroines, most notably #1 Malathaat (3-5) from the mighty Todd Pletcher barn. The 2021 Kentucky Oaks (G1) star has never run a bad race in her lifetime and bagged the Ashland S. (G1) on the oval as a sophomore in her lone local appearance to date.

The Shadwell colorbearer is arguably better this season, and while she isn’t flashy and often leaves her races late en route to victory, there is no doubting the consistent excellence that the four-year-old has displayed since her unveiling. Malathaat will save ground throughout before being asked for her best in the lane with John Velazquez in the silks.

Defending champ #3 Letruska (5-2) is the one to catch in hopes of retaining her crown for Fausto Gutierrez. By Super Saver, the champion mare had a fine 2021 campaign with six graded stakes victories to her credit, and while she hasn’t been in the same stellar form as a six-year-old, the 19-time winning bay is an obvious contender, nonetheless.

Letruska has brilliant early speed and is training well of late, and the bay also might benefit from the rider change to Tyler Gaffalione in this affair. The Kentucky-bred mare is the obvious threat to the top pick with her best showing.

#2 Army Wife (15-1) is the most logical third-place finisher in the contest for Mike Maker. The Grade 2 heroine has faced nice competition in her career, and the four-year-old will improve off her unplaced effort at Saratoga. Declaration of War lass has tactical speed and figures to be well positioned at the top of the lane with Luis Saez taking the reins. The filly has been training well and could slide into the exacta if either of the top pair fails to fire.