The Ballston Spa Handicap was first contested in 1989 and since has risen to Grade 2 status. The 8.5 furlong turf  race is for fillies and mares three years old and upward. Several trainers are tied for the most wins in this race at 2, including Bill Mott. He will try to separate himself as the lone leader this year with Aviate. The most notable winner of this race is One Dreamer who won in 1993. She went on to win the Breeders Cup Distaff the following year.

Let’s take a look at the field. Check out our Horse Betting page for information on how and where to bet the Ballston Spa Handicap online.

Miss Keller (Montjeu x Ingozi by Warning) Mare seems to have gone wrong. She won a Grade 2 last year and was also Grade 1 placed, but since her 9th place finish in the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare she has failed to finish better than fourth. The mare does own a win over the course so that can be viewed as a positive. JJ Castellano will ride for Roger Attfield.

Romacaca (Running Stag x Romaca by Kris S) Impressive mare has won 5 in a row for trainer Nick Canani. I love the way he has slowly moved her up the class ladder. She won the Grade 3 Matchmaker last out at Monmouth in wire to wire fashion and did so with a bit of ease. She stands as good as chance as anyone in this race. Ed “E T” Baird is making the trip to ride.

Daveron (Black Swan x Darwinia by Acatenango) German bred mare has won half of her starts since shipping across the pond. Her last win was her best yet as she took the $200k Dr. James Penny Memorial Handicap at Parx over Gitchie Goomie and an out of form Check The Label. Record of 3 wins from 4 starts at the distance is encouraging. Eddie Castro will ride for Graham Motion and Kentucky Derby winning connections Team Valor International.

Desert Sage (Selkirk x Prairie Flower by Zieten) Good looking filly came to the US in early March and won her first two races at Gulfstream. After that she was second in the Gallorette at Pimlico and off the board in the James K Memorial Handicap. She was rank there and horse players would be wise to draw a line through that race. She will probably have to move up just a tad to win, but don’t put anything past trainer Chad Brown. He’s one of the best in the game. Jose Lezcano is listed to ride.

Mekong Melody (Cape Cross x Nini Princess by Niniski) Mare could be sitting on a big race for trainer Roger Attfield. She hit the gate in the Grade 1 Diana last out, but still closed very well to be fourth behind sharp winner Zagora and runner up Aruna. Before that she was third in the Grade 2 Dance Smartly. Her works are very sharp right now and John Velazquez is getting a leg up. Throw in a cut back in distance she looks live.

Trix in the City (Friend’s Lake x Trix City by Carson City) Would never have figured her for a turf filly given the pedigree, but hey it’s working. She showed good courage winning over the course last out to improve her record to 2 wins from 3 starts on the Saratoga sod. Shaun Bridgemahon will likely be intent on making the lead. Richard Violette is the trainer.

Aviate (Dansili x Emplane by Irish River) Tough filly will try to give trainer Bill Mott his third win in this race. She looked great in her first two US starts when she was third in a Grade 3 at Gulfstream then won the Grade 2 Distaff Turf Mile at Churchill Downs. She failed in her next two starts which were the Just A Game and Diana. The lass had glacial fractions to chase there. Cutting back in distance she should threaten so long as they don’t go so slow up front again. Julien Leparoux will be in the irons.

Strike the Bell (Mizzen Mast x Vesper by Mountain Cat) Showed strong late kick while third going 5.5 over this course last out in a minor stakes event. Ramon Dominguez would be wise to get her closer to the front early on. He might get her to the winners circle if he does. David Donk is the trainer.

Tapitsfly (Tapit x Flying Marlin by Marlin) Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner has won just once since then. Trainer Dale Romans has done well with her of late and she was third beaten just a neck in the Mint Julep Handicap two races back. This will be her second try with Robby Albarado since their Breeders Cup triumph together. She won a win over the course and is 2 for 4 at the distance. Plenty to like with this one.

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