How to bet the La Troienne Stakes

Champion Monomoy Girl headlines a field of eight fillies and mares in Friday’s $500,000 La Troienne (G1) at Churchill Downs.

La Troienne Analysis

#2 Vexatious will be sent from the start, with #7 Lady Kate and #8 Monomoy Girl forcing the action early on. 

La Troienne Contenders

#1 HOROLOGIST (4-1) – Gemologist filly responded to the barn change to Bill Mott with a fine triumph in the Molly Pitcher (G3) last time out. Monmouth Park specialist has worked well since and gets a cozy post draw on the rail, but she has to prove to me that she can carry her form outside of the Garden State. John Velazquez will take the reins.

#2 VEXATIOUS (4-1) – Personal Ensign (G1) upsetter has put in two of the better races of her lifetime in preparation of the La Troienne. Jack Sisterson trainee was unplaced in her lone previous run at Churchill Downs, but she is in peak form and can’t be ignored with Tyler Gaffalione in the stirrups.

#3 WITH DIGNITY (30-1) – Declaration of War filly is perfect from two races over this track but faces a tall task in this field. Ian Wilkes pupil never factored at Ellis Park in her seasonal debut and is eligible to improve, but she will need a lifetime best to make the frame on Friday. Julien Leparoux will be in the silks.

#4 SARACOSA (20-1) – Cipriano Contreras charge has hit the board in all five efforts at Churchill Downs in advance of this Grade 1 try. Bernardini mare has been in solid form since arriving in the barn four back, and she impressed when second to Dunbar Road in the Delaware H. (G3) in her latest venture. Martin Garcia will be in the silks atop this exotics player.

#5 RISKY MANDATE (20-1) – Consistent Strong Mandate lass has won or placed in every lifetime showing for Tom Amoss. Dark bay 4-year-old was an excellent second in a tough allowance spot at Saratoga in her route debut last time, and the Kentucky-bred adds blinkers for this one. David Cohen will be in the irons.

#6 SHE’S A JULIE (6-1) – Defending champ is a two-time Grade 1 queen with three career wins on the oval for Steve Asmussen. Elusive Quality mare never showed up in the Molly Pitcher (G3) at Monmouth Park in her most recent appearance, but she drilled a bullet five-eighths at Saratoga last week to prepare for this affair. Bay will be forwardly placed under Ricardo Santana.

#7 LADY KATE (15-1) – Groupie Doll S. heroine has won two straight in impressive fashion for Eddie Kenneally, including a stout allowance win locally two back. Bay 4-year-old owns a win and a second on the strip from three local appearances, and she has never been better in advance of her second Grade 1 attempt. Javier Castellano will take the reins aboard this top-three contender.

#8 MONOMOY GIRL (4-5) – Brilliant daughter of Tapizar has returned from a lengthy absence to post a pair of commanding tallies, and I think she will peak third time off the break. Trainer Brad Cox has done a superb job with the standout mare, and she has run some of the best races of her life at Churchill Downs. Chestnut drew a perfect post outside of her foes with Florent Geroux in the silks once again.

La Troienne Wagers

• $20 Exacta: 8 with 4,6 ($40)
• $2 Trifecta: 8 with 4,6 with all ($24)