How to bet the 2024 Dowager Stakes

An overflow field of 14 fillies and mares will go 1 1/2 miles on the Keeneland green in Sunday’s $300,000 Dowager S. (G3). The grassy feature attracted an outstanding group of turf stayers in what is an extremely challenging handicapping puzzle. 

Dowager Wagers

• $15 win and place #6 Surprisingly ($30)
• $1 trifecta key 6 with 1,7,9,11,12 ($20)

The Todd Pletcher-trained #6 Surprisingly (6-1) earned a lifetime-topping 100 Brisnet Speed number in her lone run at the distance when finishing a clear second in the Orchid S. (G3) at Gulfstream Park in March. Mastery five-year-old, who brought $1 million at auction in November, has run well while fourth in three straight against fine competition leading up to Sunday, and I expect her to move forward stretching back out to 12 panels. The mare will be forwardly placed under the guidance of Irad Ortiz Jr. 

#7 Chop Chop (5-1) was a clear winner of the Bewitch S. (G3) on the course in the spring and is an obvious exotics contender to me under Luan Machado. By City of Light, the Brad Cox trainee has found her niche marathoning on the lawn, and her affinity for the surface is surely a positive thing. She didn’t thrive at Kentucky Downs in her latest offering, but the four-year-old will get back to her best self in this spot while tracking the early tempo from the break. 

#1 Three Priests (8-1) was a solid third in her U.S. debut in the Ladies Marathon (G3) at Kentucky Downs and is well drawn on the rail to receive a ground-saving voyage beneath John Velazquez. The Graham Motion trainee wouldn’t be a surprise if she moves forward second time in the states. 

I don’t love the outside draw for #12 Neecie Marie (3-1), although I have long liked the multiple Grade 3 heroine and will still use her in my wagers. The Butch Reid pupil has never gone this far, but she is quite classy and has run big in four of her five assignments in 2024, too. Joel Rosario retaining the mount is a major positive, in my opinion. 

Charlie Appleby’s Grade 2 heroine #9 Eternal Hope (4-1) and Bewitch (G3) runner-up #11 Atomic Blonde (10-1) will be added in my vertical plays as well.