Ogden Phipps Stakes 2021 Results: Letruska wins again

Scratches. Man they suck. Swiss Skydiver and Valiance both miss out and the latter was our in-house handicappers pick in the Grade I Ogden Phipps. He however did have a backup option...

I want no part of Shedaresthedevil, who I thought took a big step back last out in the G1 La Troienne despite winning, however I do have interest in her stablemate Bonny South (#7). I’ve never really been a big fan of this filly, but she ran well in her 2021 debut in the G3 Doubledogdare and should move forward in this spot. She’s another that would probably benefit from more distance and two-turn racing, but I think she’s going to get the right kind of trip to make a major impact in this race.

Our turf-man liked Bonny South as well.

As for the rest of the field, I like another runner that will be vastly underrated, and that’s Cox’s other entry. Bonny South #7 has failed in a couple of key races in the past that many thought she should have won. Still, the past is a foreign country, as the quote goes. In racing, being open brings opportunity. Still, her last race at Keeneland in the Doubledogdare (G3) was strong, even if it wasn’t a formidable field. Now, with Joel Rosario in the saddle as Geroux on the other Cox charge, she has the opportunity to be a solid overlay. When I heard her conditioner was sending the Juddmonte router up against stablemate Essential Quality in workouts at Churchill, that was a very good sign. She is a bet in my estimation, even with the other 2 faves drawing in here. Let’s use her as the “key” for our ticket!

Maybe I'm just a bit weird but Shedaresthedevil looks great and I stuck with her. She was not the favorite on the Morning Line but the live pools have changed all that with the 2020 Oaks winner moving in strongly before a last second drop as Letruska went off as a 6-5 shot. Bonny South though went from 10-1 to 5-2. Clearly bettors agree with our two guys.

It was Letruska who got out early and led the whole way. The victory was never in doubt. Another win for Jose Ortiz today. Shedaresthedevil went with her early but she just didn't have enough in her to go with the winner of the Apple Blossom. Bonny South rallied to pick up second with Shedaresthedevil finishing third. There can now be little debate that Letruska is one of the very best older females horses out there.

Letruska paid out $4.40 for the win and has now qualified for the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar and who would bet against her at this point?