Back to Keeneland for Stakes Saturday

 With a dearth of Stakes races on this Stakes Saturday, we venture back to Keeneland for a terrific running of the QE II.

Keeneland Race 9 {Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year-old~Fillies}

A reduced field of nine will saunter to the gate in this annual grade one.

Past Performances used:  DRF Formulator.

This is a very challenging race as any one of these gals could pull off a victory. Have to give an edge to the Euro-invaders though. There are five of them making an appearance with two of them taking their second North American start. The speed figs are super close. There is also enough speedy and forwardly placed types to create a very swift pace. Only two in the field have raced over the Keenleand course. It should be one of the best races on this Stakes Saturday.

#4 Mawj [IRE] (O. Murphy / bin Suroor Saeed) is the deserved favorite with the highest last out speed number. She comes in from Great Britain with a three-race win streak. This gal has the tactical speed to feel the pace out and go with it strategically. She will be stretching out to this distance for the first time. A daughter of Exceed and Exel [AUS], she is 87% in the money from eight career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#2 Elusive Princess [FR] (Prat / Delacour) holds the second highest last out speed number at a longer route and three solid workouts. She has a win at the distance. Look for her to track and close into the pace. A daughter of Martinborough [JPN], she is 75% in the money from eight career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#8 Elounda Queen [IRE] (L. Saez / Rouget) will stretch out seeking her second win in a row. She should track the pace closely. This gal comes in from France. She excels over the surface. A daughter of Australia [GB], she is 77% in the money from nine starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#6 Lindy [FR] (Gaffalione / B. Walsh) will be stretching out in her second North American start. She should track the pace closely. A daughter of Le Havre [IRE], she is 85% in the money from seven starts.

#12 Papilio [IRE] (Castellano / M. Casse) will track the pace where she relishes the surface, distance, and course. This gal has hit the board in the last three. A daughter of Starspangledbanner [AUS], she is 72% in the money from eleven starts.

#13 Freydis the Red [FR] (B. Hernandez / McPeek) will track and clsoe into a strong pace. She is both a distance and course specialist hitting the board twice at each. A daughter of Saxon Warrior [JPN], she is 55% in the money from nine starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#4 Mawj [IRE]  //  #2 Elusive Princess [FR],  #8 Elounda Queen [IRE],  #6 Lindy [FR],  #12 Papilio [IRE],  #13 Freydis the Red [FR].

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#2,  #8,  #6,  #12,  #13  //  #4 Mawj [IRE].

Best of luck with all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!