How to bet the Dogwood Stakes

A well-matched field of eight sophomore fillies will travel 7-furlongs on the Churchill Downs main strip in Saturday’s $100,000 Dogwood (G3).

Dogwood Analysis

Determining the pace of the Dogwood is a tricky endeavor, as there is not a confirmed front-runner in the field. #2 Four Graces, #5 Magic Dance, and #8 Edgeway are all expected to be in the first flight early on, and I think that the trio could stay there throughout the affair.

Dogwood Contenders

#1 CLIVETTY -- $900,000 juvenile purchase was a winner on debut on the dirt prior to a flat showing in a turf try most recently. Chatlos trainee draws well on the rail, but she will need to show me that she is up to the task at this level before I endorse her.

#2 FOUR GRACES -- Talented Majesticperfection filly was a professional allowance vixen on the surface in preparation of her stakes debut. Wilkes pupil is quick, and she proved last time that she has the ability to carry her speed today’s distance. I’ll go out on a limb and tab the half-sister to McCracken to develop into a major Kentucky Oaks (G1) contender.

#3 BAYERNESS -- Interesting Bayern filly was a winner in her first pair of assignments prior to finishing well back in the Davona Dale (G2). $350,000 buy topped a nice one on the course in November, and she fits in this spot with a performance resembling that one with Geroux.

#4 AIN’T NO ELMERS -- Calhoun charge romped in her first two showings, but she offered little in an Oaklawn Park allowance most recently. The capable lass has some early foot and will be in contention at the top of the lane on Saturday. Adam Beschizza has the assignment.

#5 MAGIC DANCE -- More Than Ready sophomore won the first two starts of her career as a juvenile on the surface, led by a fine score in the Debutante S. Three Chimneys homebred didn’t handle the sloppy going at Oaklawn Park in her seasonal bow, but she has trained well in the interim and I expect major improvement in the Dogwood. Santana will be in the stirrups.

#6 LADY GLAMOUR -- Hard-trying Discreet Cat filly is thrice stakes-placed and exits a decent try in a loaded allowance dash on the course. Chestnut has won or placed in 4-of-5 locally, and she could earn a minor award with a well-timed ride from Bejarano.

#7 NAUGHTY THOUGHTS -- Maryland invader has won or placed in at least 10 straight, topped by a score in the Wide Country S. two prior. By The Factor, gray filly has tactical speed, and she fired a bullet three panels most recently to signal her readiness for this difficult assignment. Tyler Gaffalione will ride.

#8 EDGEWAY -- Daughter of Competitive Edge flashed huge ability from a trio of dashes at Oaklawn Park for Sadler. Stakes-placed Kentucky-bred draws well on the outside of the cast, and she might be the one to run down turning for home with Tyler Baze in the silks once again.

Dogwood Wagers

• $10 Exacta: 2 with 5,8 ($20)
• $3 Trifecta Box: 2,5,8 ($18)