Bet this race at Top pick: #6 (Letruska) (8-5) - This remarkable mare has 17 1st place finishes in 22 races, including five in a row. The last three have all been at this 1 1/8 distance. She won the Spinster four weeks ago, breaking early to secure the lead, and kept up a 2 to 3 1/2-length advantage throughout. In fact, this horse hasn't trailed at any point of call in any of the last five races. Letruska is the daughter of thoroughbred Quality Road, and with a speed figure of 113, she is primed for another 1st place trophy.
2nd pick: #2 (Royal Flag) (8-1) - Royal Flag has participated in three straight races at this 1 1/8 distance, finishing 1st twice and 3rd once. Jockey Joel Rosario will have this speedy horse actually sitting back early before utilizing that speed with a big push late. Royal Flag won the Shuvee Stakes at Saratoga in July and comes off a 1st place finish at Belmont Park's Beldame Stakes last month by 4+ lengths over 2020 winner Horologist. Trainer Chad Brown is still looking for his first Distaff victory. He has an excellent horse, but he will likely fall just short yet again.
3rd pick: #9 (As Time Goes By) (15-1) - This four-year-old Filly has done very well in the last eight races, finishing 1st four times and 2nd twice. One of those was the last race, finishing 2nd at the Zenyatta Stakes four weeks ago. As Time Goes By is the daughter of Triple Crown champ American Pharoah, and multiple Grade 1 winner Take Charge Lady. Jockey Luis Saez was in the Breeders' Cup Distaff one year ago, riding Valiance to a 2nd place finish to Monomoy Girl. Valiance was 14-to-1 while favored Monomoy Girl was even-money.