How to bet the 2023 Year’s End Stakes

A very good field of seven two-year-old fillies will travel one mile on the Oaklawn Park oval in Sunday’s $200,000 Year’s End S. The Brad Cox-trained #7 Denim and Pearls rolled home to a recent allowance score at Churchill Downs when posting a decisive victory, and I’m expecting more of the same in this spot. 

Year’s End Wagers

• $30 exacta 7 with 5 ($30)
• $12 exacta 7 with 2 ($12)
• $1 superfecta 7 with 2,5 with 2,5 with all ($8)

By top sire Into Mischief, the $500,000 yearling purchase was very game in a winning debut dash at Keeneland on October 21 at 6 1/2 furlongs, and the fine prospect took a nice move forward when facing winners and stretching out to one mile last time out. The March foal relaxed early in that affair and put in a spirited late burst to win in going-away fashion, which earned her a 92 Brisnet Speed figure. 

Denim and Pearls gave the impression of a filly who will thrive at two turns in her latest try, and while not ideal, the outside draw will keep her out of any trouble in the race. She comes in with a trio of solid morning drills as of late, and the miss will be hard to deny with her best under Flavien Prat. 

#5 Ice Cold was second to the top pick in her latest outing and I expect a similar outcome on Sunday. Conditioned by Kenny McPeek, the bay daughter of Mitole has displayed marked improvement since going long on the dirt in two straight and she will benefit from getting in a pair of morning moves at this locale in advance of this contest, as well. The $65,000 yearling purchase will be rallying from well off the early tempo beneath Julien Leparoux. 

#2 Tapit Jenallie has been a facile winner in two races to begin her career and could be dangerous in this one despite the class rise. The Eddie Milligan pupil is bred to be a good one, and she has displayed a nice turn of foot leading up to her route debut to indicate that the added ground will be well within her scope, as well. Christian Torres will guide the filly who might be closer to the pace in this one.