How to bet the Shuvee Stakes

Nine fillies and mares will go postward in the $125,000 Shuvee (G3) at Saratoga on Sunday.

Shuvee Analysis

There is a lot of pace in the Shuvee, with #3 Letruska being the one to catch. She will never get very clear, though, with #4 Our Super Freak, #5 Golden Award, and #6 Nonna Madeline, in close attendance throughout.

Shuvee Contenders

#1 LUCKY STRIDE -- Puerto Rican import will make her first run in the states for conditioner Mike Trombetta. She sports a fine 11-8-3-0 career mark, but it’s tough to measure her class against a field this deep. Jose Ortiz riding the Declaration of War filly is a positive thing.

#2 BELLERA -- First of three from the Pletcher shedrow was a distant third in the Summer Colony S. on the surface most recently, and she has yet to show any progression off of her solid sophomore campaign. Bernardini filly will need big improvement to upset this cast beneath Johnny V.

#3 LETRUSKA -- Multiple Group 1 heroine chased a rapid early pace in the recent Ballerina (G1) before tiring in the stretch for Gutierrez. Super Saver 4-year-old stretches out as the pace in the cast, and the talented Kentucky-bred rates a big chance if she clears in the early stages. Joel Rosairo will pilot the win threat.

#4 OUR SUPER FREAK -- Molly Pitcher (G3) runner-up ran a lifetime-best at Monmouth and has room for improvement in her second assignment since January. Mineshaft chestnut drilled a bullet half-mile in preparation of the Shuvee, and she will be part of the early action beneath Lezcano.

#5 GOLDEN AWARD -- Half-sister to I’ll Have Another was a powerful winner of this race last season and merits a lot of respect for Mott. Medaglia d’Oro mare has been first or second in seven of her last 10 outings, and the bay could sit a perfect trip tracking the pace from a few lengths back to the top of the lane. She gets the slight edge to repeat under Junior Alvarado.

#6 NONNA MADELINE -- Candy Ride filly was impressive in bagging the Summer Colony S. on the surface in her most recent engagement. Bay made good in her initial try at 9 furlongs when forcing a fast pace and finishing well, and she is an obvious win contender with any kind of forward move on Saturday. Irad retains the mount atop the 4-year-old.

#7 LUCKY MOVE -- Obeah S. starlet ran into Dunbar Road in the Delaware Handicap (G2) most recently and she will improve on Saturday for Guerrero. Daughter of Lookin at Lucky has run well on the surface in the past, and I am including the New York-bred bay in my gimmicks at a nice price. Manny Franco rides.

#8 ANOTHER BROAD -- Third from the Pletcher barn hasn’t won since April of 2019, but the daughter of Include often rallies for a share at a number. Bay 5-year-old makes her Saratoga debut in the Shuvee and comes in with six solid drills on the course in preparation of Saturday. Luis Saez will guide the late runner.

#9 ROYAL FLAG -- Chad Brown pupil was third in the Molly Pitcher (G3) when making her graded debut most recently. Chestnut daughter of Candy Ride has run some powerful races against lesser in the past, and the homebred could thrive in her first attempt at 1 1/18 miles, as well. Javier Castellano will be in the silks.

Shuvee Wagers

• $20 Win #5 Golden Award ($20)
• $2 Exacta Key Box: 5 with 3,6,7,9 ($16)