How to bet With, and Against, Occult in the 2023 Busanda Stakes

A compact field of five sophomore fillies will travel 1 1/8 miles over the Aqueduct dirt in Saturday’s $100,000 Busanda S. The morning-line choice in the field is Alpha Delta Stables’ #2 Occult (7-5) for conditioner Chad Brown.

Occult wasn’t especially impressive at first asking when fourth, beaten eight lengths, in a six-furlong dash on the course in September. In her second assignment, the dark bay daughter of Into Mischief showed marked improvement on the stretch out to one mile when laying close to the pace and drawing away in the stretch to record a fine victory.

The $625,000 yearling purchase has posted a pair of useful morning breezes since her maiden tally and is bred to thrive at the distance. The Kentucky-bred filly will be close to a modest pace from the opening bell with Dylan Davis picking up the mount.

Graham Motion’s maiden #3 Affirmative Lady (9-5) was a tough-luck second in the Demoiselle S. (G2) on the course and at the distance in her latest venture. By Arrogate, the $400,000 auction buy has displayed a fine turn of foot in each of her trio of lifetime races, and she has improved her Brisnet Speed figure with each career try to date.

The gray three-year-old enters this affair off of a trio of morning breezes and gives the impression of a filly who will take another step forward on this occasion. Manny Franco gets off of another contender to guide the obvious win threat.

#5 Aniston (5-1), one of two in the cast for conditioner Todd Pletcher, romped at the distance while making her second lifetime showing most recently. The chestnut daughter of Curlin didn’t topple a deep field in her maiden score, but she was much the best and gave an indication that 1 1/8 miles is right in her wheelhouse. The $550,000 yearling purchase will have clear sailing throughout from the outside post in a compact field with Jose Lezcano in the stirrups.

Occult – With

• $20 trifecta key: 2 with 3,5 ($40)

Occult – Against

• $10 trifecta: 3,5 with 2,3,5 with 2,3,5 ($40)