How to bet the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes

A total of nine 3-year-old fillies will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Keeneland turf in Saturday’s lucrative $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1).

Queen Elizabeth II Analysis

The pace is expected to be solid and contested. #2 Sweet Melania and #3 Antoinette will both be into the race early and ensure that an honest tempo occurs. #1 Harvey’s Lil Goil will track the duo from the rail.

Queen Elizabeth II Contenders

#1 HARVEY’S LIL GOIL (3-1) -- Grade 3 starlet is a stakes winner on both turf and dirt in advance of her second Grade 1 tilt. Alabama (G1) third exits a big run when a neck second in the Dueling Grounds Oaks most recently, and the daughter of American Pharoah is very logical with even slight improvement on Saturday.

#2 SWEET MELANIA (7-2) -- Pletcher pupil displayed versatility when running from off the pace when a neck second in the Lake George (G3) in her latest endeavor. By American Pharoah, the sophomore filly was a smashing winner of the Jessamine (G2) on the course in her lone prior run at Keeneland, and she could peak in her third run off the layoff, as well. Flavien Prat has the call.

#3 ANTOINETTE (8-1) -- Second from the Mott shedrow finished a clear second in the Belmont Oaks (G1) last time out. Speedy sort has won or placed in eight straight races following her debut, but she will need a bit better to take down this cast beneath James Graham.

#4 MAGIC ATTITUDE (5-2) -- Galileo filly made a fine impression in her U. S. bow when dominating the Belmont Oaks (G1) as the short-priced favorite for Delacour. French import cuts back in distance on Saturday, but she gives the impression of a classy lass who will be tough to upend in her Keeneland debut. Javier Castellano retains the mount atop the selection.

#5 LUCKY BETTY (30-1) -- Edgewood (G3) third has proven more than capable since transferring to the lawn two back, but the daughter of Munnings will need a big leap forward to make an impact late in this affair.

#6 HENDY WOODS (10-1) -- Potential value contender owns a win and a second from a pair of tries in 2020 for Casse. Uncle Mo filly has caught yielding and good turf ovals in her assignments this campaign, and improvement could come if she has a firm course to work with in her Grade 1 debut. The bay will be tracking the early tempo under Julien Leparoux.

#7 MICHELINE (6-1) -- Godolphin homebred rallied strongly to notch the Dueling Grounds Derby most recently for Stidham. Daughter of Bernardini is a one-run closer with a strong late kick, and if the pace is swift enough, she could be the one to hold off late in her first appearance at Keeneland. Florent Geroux will ride.

#8 CALIFORNIA KOOK (12-1) -- Peter Miller trainee was a good fourth when facing the boys in the Del Mar Derby (G2) last time out. Late running daughter of Boisterous has excellent form in 2020 and could be a top-three player with a top showing. Tyler Gaffalione will be in the silks.

#9 RED LARK (10-1) -- Del Mar Oaks (G1) upsetter earned her biggest win to date in her latest venture for conditioner Paddy Gallagher. Stout closer draws outside against a strong field, however, and others look a bit more likely to me in a strong cast.

Queen Elizabeth II Wagers

• $5 Exacta Key Box: 4 with 1,2,6 ($30)
• $1 Superfecta: 4 with 1,2,6 with 1,2,6 with all ($36)