How to bet the First Lady Stakes

A compact field of six will contest Saturday’s $350,000 First Lady (G1) at Keeneland. The one-mile turf affair will give the winner an entry to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) on November 7 as part of the “Win and You’re In” challenge series.

First Lady Analysis

The pace will be contested by #4 Newspaperofrecord and #6 Crystal Lake, with the others well off the tempo in the early stages.

First Lady Contenders

#1 BEAU RECALL -- Brad Cox trainee comes in off a fine tally in the Distaff Turf Mile (G2) at Churchill Downs. Stout late runner drew well on the rail in attempt to capture her initial Grade 1 trophy, but a slow pace could compromise her chances with Leparoux in the silks.

#2 DALIKA -- Talented gray was last seen bagging a stakes affair at Kentucky Downs for Al Stall. The German-bred faces a tall task in this field, however, and she would be a surprise in her second assignment at Keeneland.

#3 DADDY IS A LEGEND -- Rusty Arnold trainee has not been sharp from a pair of outings since joining this shedrow in 2020. Scat Daddy mare possesses back class and has also placed in her last three tries with Grade 1 foes, but she will need a form reversal to challenge the top ones in the First Lady. James Graham will be up.

#4 NEWSPAPEROFRECORD -- Classy 4-year-old was upset late in the Distaff Turf Mile at Churchill Downs most recently, but she looms large as controlling speed on Saturday. Multiple Grade 1 heroine shows a pair of solid morning drills in preparation for her Keeneland debut, and she will be tough to catch with her top performance. Tyler Gaffalione inherits the ride.

#5 UNI -- Reigning Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) queen is winless from two starts this campaign, which includes an uncustomary seventh-place result in the recent Fourstardave (G1) at Saratoga. Brilliant chestnut was a facile winner of the race in 2019, however, and I am expecting a big performance from off the pace on Saturday with Joel Rosario up.

#6 CRYSTAL LAKE -- D. Wayne Lukas trainee has gone close in a pair of allowance tilts most recently, but she faces tons better in the First Lady. Capable daughter of Distorted Humor will be a pace presence, but I can’t envision her being a factor inside the final furlong.

First Lady Wagers

• $25 Exacta Box: 4-5 ($50)