How to bet the 2024 Pippin Stakes

A small, but talented, field of five fillies and mares will run 1 1/16 miles at Oaklawn Park on Saturday in the $150,000 Pippin S. Defending champ #1 Lovely Ride (9-2) did not show much in her first appearance off the long absence in the Mistletoe S. on the course last time out, but I’m expecting her to take a big step forward second time back. The six-year-old from the barn of Robertino Diodoro has never been the most consistent horse in training, but she possesses a lot of ability, and she also appears to be the controlling speed in the affair, as well. 

Pippin Wagers

• $30 win #1 Lovely Ride ($30)
• $4 trifecta box 1,2,5 ($24)

Lovely Ride, who finished a close second in the Bayakoa S. (G2) in her last campaign, will undoubtedly do better on Saturday compared to her latest showing, and I really like that regular pilot Christian Torres will stay in the irons atop the Kentucky bred, as well. I envision the bay to take the lead soon after the break and to never look back at a nice price. 

#5 Ice Orchid (9-5) was wide throughout in the Mistletoe but still managed to finish third, beaten by less than a length for trainer John Ortiz. The five-year-old daughter of Super Saver was second throughout in this race in 2023 and seems poised for another positive showing while in good current form. The dark bay mare will have a clear voyage all the way around the oval while being drawn outside in the compact cast, and she will have no excuses at the top of the lane with Ricardo Santana, Jr. taking the reins. 

#2 Misty Veil (2-1) is far from a win machine, but the Mike Maker charge has faced some very good opposition in 2023 and is often in the mix late. Second in the Mistletoe, the talented lass dons a 7-2-3-1 local mark and she also has the tactical foot to stay close throughout in a race that could yield moderate fractions in the early going. The six-year-old daughter of Tonalist will have Ramon Vazquez in the stirrups.