Occult the key in 2024 Serena’s Song Stakes

Alpha Delta Stables’ #7 Occult had a very good sophomore campaign and looks set to improve in 2024 as she looms large in the $100,000 Serena’s Song S. at Monmouth on Sunday. 

Serena’s Song Wagers

• $20 exacta 7 with 2 ($20)
• $10 trifecta key 7 with 2,8 ($20)
• $1 trifecta 7 with 2,8 with all ($12)

The $625,000 yearling purchase broke her maiden second time out in her juvenile finale and commenced her three-year-old year with a score in the Busanda S. at Aqueduct. Following a subpar showing in the Gazelle S. (G3) April, the daughter of Into Mischief closed out 2023 with four nice efforts in succession, with one of those resulting in a 10-length romp in the Monmouth Oaks (G3) in the summer. 

Trained by Chad Brown, the Kentucky-bred also earned placings in the Acorn S. (G1), Cotillion S. (G1), and Mother Goose S. (G2), and I would not be surprised to see her evolve into one of the better horses in her division by the end of the year. She towers over this cast if she runs her best, and I’m confident in her chances with Javier Castellano in the controls. 

Early speed is a big weapon in route races on the Monmouth main strip, so I will give big exotics consideration to the contender that I think gets the lead early on. Todd Pletcher’s #2 Cheetara will stretch out in distance for the first time in a while and I have to think that the plan will be to send the mare in her second try for the barn. This Daddy Long Legs mare is of stakes quality, her pedigree suggests that she will handle the trip, and I also like that she was close to some very good sprinters at Gulfstream in March before tiring late. The chestnut is drawn close to the rail and could be a fair price under Joe Bravo.

#8 Venti Valentine is the second-best horse in the race and has to be included in the exotics. This consistently good five-year-old comes in off a pair of tough allowance races to commence this season and will move forward today. I’m not thrilled with the outside draw and the potential of a three-wide voyage throughout, although she has enough class to overcome that and grab a slice of the pie with this cast. Daniel Centeno will be up.