How to bet the Dogwood Stakes

Churchill Downs (c) Churchill Downs/Coady Photography

A field of 11 sophomore fillies will vie in the $100,000 Dogwood Stakes at Churchill Downs on Saturday. And it looks like an excellent betting opportunity with little separation in the cast.

Here’s a look at the group:

FIGARELLA’S QUEEN (#1) (3-1) – Indiana Oaks (G3) runner-up was eased last out in the Alabama Stakes (G1) but returns in swift fashion. Brad Cox trainee was a nice winner in her lone previous race on the oval and looms large with her best.

DIVINE QUEEN (#2) (30-1) – Divine Park filly was an allowance winner locally three prior but she would need a big move forward today.

SHES OUR FASTEST (#3) (10-1) – Scott Gelner pupil is a multiple stakes vixen with longshot appeal. Oratory filly brings pace and pilot Jack Gilligan to the affair.

JEAN ELIZABETH (#4) (5-1) – One to catch from the Larry Rivelli barn boasts a fine 8-6-2-0 lifetime mark in advance of this one. Fleet gray has never been headed on dirt and is a must use.

MISS MIMOSA (#5) (8-1) – Bill Mott trainee won going nine panels at Saratoga in her most recent try. Violence filly fits here with even slight improvement.

DEVINE MISCHIEF (#6) (4-1) – Joe Sharp charge led at every call in an allowance score at Churchill three prior. Stakes-placed lass comes in fresh seeking her initial stakes trophy.

EVERYONELOVESJIMMY (#7) (6-1) – Contender has never run a poor race for Ian Wilkes. Daughter of Jimmy Creed was victorious in a lone try on the sloppy, sealed dirt at Churchill Downs.

SALT BAE (#8) (12-1) – Paynter filly is capable on her best day as evidenced by a fine allowance score most recently. Stakes-placed sophomore will be forcing the pace with Julien Leparoux in the pilot’s seat.

PRIMO EXTREMO (#9) (15-1) – Ohio import ran off to a lifetime best in preparation for today, but she faces a stiff class test.

NAPLES LEGACY (#10) (30-1) – Medaglia d’Oro filly goes from claimers to stakes foes for Mike Maker. Sophomore broke her maiden on this course and is a big price for a fine barn.

GO GOOGLE YOURSELF (#11) (5-1) – Into Mischief filly gets a tough draw outside. Paul McGee trainee ran well with fine fillies earlier in the season and is another contender in a well-matched field.

ANALYSIS

Jean Elizabeth has led at the first and second call in each lifetime performance and is the one to catch today. The race goes through her.

But I like a pair of runners to her outside who will be in close attendance early on – Devine Mischief and Everyonelovesjimmy. That pair will get first run turning for home.

WAGER

$1 Trifecta 6,7 with 1,4,6,7,11 with all = $72

Good Luck!