How to bet the Spinster Stakes

A compact field of six will contest the $400,000 Spinster (G1) at Keeneland on Sunday. The “Win and You’re In” affair will give the first-place finisher an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) on November 7.

Spinster Analysis

The early tempo could be sharp with #2 Ollie’s Candy, #3 Shedaresthedevil, #4 Our Super Freak, and #6 Lady Kate, being prominent from the gate.

Spinster Contenders

#1 SARACOSA -- Exotics contender has a nice turn of foot in a field full of early speed for Contreras. La Troienne (G1) fourth draws well inside with Martin Garcia up, and she will benefit most if a speed duel takes place on Sunday. Bernardini 5-year-old wouldn’t be a surprise with a placing at a square price.

#2 OLLIE’S CANDY -- Classy lass from the Sadler shedrow has yet to find the winners’ circle this campaign, though she has placed in four consecutive Grade 1 affairs in advance of the Spinster. Candy Ride 5-year-old is training in sharp fashion in preparation of her local debut, and the mare is a must use with Joel Rosario picking up the mount.

#3 SHEDARESTHEDEVIL -- Kentucky Oaks (G1) heroine is surging with three straight dominant wins in succession for Brad Cox. Bay daughter of Daredevil faces her elders for the initial time on Saturday, but she is an obvious win contender while in prime current form. Florent Geroux retains the mount atop the speedy filly.

#4 OUR SUPER FREAK -- Talented Mineshaft filly has run two good ones leading up to the Spinster, including a nice third in the Shuvee (G3) at Saratoga in her latest endeavor. Kentucky-bred daughter of Mineshaft picks a tough spot to earn her initial graded victory, but she could be a factor late if she rates in the early stages. Brain Hernandez Jr. has the assignment.

#5 VALIANCE -- Pletcher pupil is 5-for-7 lifetime and showed her versatility with a tally on the dirt in the Eatontown S. at Monmouth Park most recently. Tapit filly will face much better on Sunday, however, and she will have to prove to be capable of beating this kind before I get in her corner.

#6 LADY KATE -- La Troienne (G1) runner-up has been very good in three straight for Kenneally. Bernardini filly gets a nice post slot outside of the other pace in the race, and she can be a dangerous commodity late with another move in the right direction in the Spinster. Tyler Gaffalione will be in the stirrups.

Spinster Wagers

• $15 Exacta: 2 with 1,3 ($30)
• $4 Trifecta Key: 2 with 1,3,4 ($24)