Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes 2021 Picks: Pletcher's Spice Wins for Sire Curlin
Preakness Weekend is finally upon us, and the run-up had its share of drama. Bob Baffert and his Kentucky Derby Champion, Medina Spirit, became the focal point. His hubris, mismanagement, and outright audacity taxed the sport in a way that has yet to be realized or understood. Now, as the scene shifts to the home of the Maryland Jockey Club at Pimlico, its oldest signature race takes center stage.
Before we get to a Super Saturday, the day before brings us Black-Eyed Susan Day. A full slate of contests appears on tap, and we at HorseRacing.net/us, have you covered with a bevy of selections, and our focused analysis. Both our turf-man and our in-house handicapper are on hand to offer their “expert” opinions. Stay tuned …
The Allaire DuPont Distaff Match Series Stakes - to give it its full title - is Race 8 on the card at Pimlico this Friday and the first of the Graded Stakes races on the slate.
Plenty of good looking horses have been entered and our man J.N. Campbell is here with his handicapping preview.
The team at HorseRacing.net put together slates of selections for most thoroughbred tracks racing in the US every single day. The Picks page (linked to below) is updated at 3AM ET every day with all the selections for the upcoming slate...
Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/8th, Allaire DuPont Distaff Match Series S. (G3), $150k, F&M 3+
The DuPont Family has a long historical connection to Thoroughbred racing that stretches back before the 1920s. This race for older females continues to be won by some of the elite trainers in America, including Todd Pletcher, Chad Brown, Steve Asmussen, Brad Cox, and last year’s conditioner, Arnaud Delacour. Some of these captains are back this year, with some strong entries. Who will score?
This race starts with Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott’s entry—Horologist #5. Though her try in the BC Distaff back at Keeneland was a miss, that was against the likes of Monomoy Girl, Valiance, and Swiss Skydiver. Her conditioner brought her back after a series of sharp works into Aqueduct and she won a 100kBT contest. That wasn’t that surprising since she was a heavy favorite, and it was a short field that she faced. The mare will be tantalizingly tough, but in no way is she unbeatable.
If you want a pair of Brad Cox tongue-twisters, then you might want to examine Dreamalildreamofu #2 and Getridofwhatailesu #4. Both these entries offer different categories of value. The former is a filly out of Commissioner that made a nice jump up to win a 100k @TP. If you are looking for a price at around 10/1, then this is your pick. While the latter Cox is more seasoned, what is inviting in this spot is that she was just off the board in the Apple Blossom (G1) against Letruska, Monomoy Girl, and Swiss Skydiver. Getting Javier Castellano to ride is a blessing to be sure. She can win this PIM route.
My top selection, if I have to name one, would be Todd Pletcher’s Spice Is Nice #3. The filly is bred by famed chef Bobby Flay out of Curlin, and she is mature enough to take on this group of competitors. The choice to retain the services of John Velazquez is smart, and I liked the speed fig number she posted in an ALLW Co. race back at Keeneland in April. Pletcher’s shipping ability continues to reign supreme.
Top Selection: Spice Is Nice #3
Creative Wager: $2 Exacta Wheel, 3 w 2/4/5
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