I’m not thrilled with the favored Cocoa Beach’s chances here. She worked very hard to beat a field of New York breds last out, and just doesn’t seem as good as she was last year. I won’t be using her on top of any of my tickets, but I might throw in her third just because I’d hate to get beat by her. I hope she takes a lot of money, because I really don’t see her winning this one.

Captain’s Lover is entering this race after a seven length triumph in the $200k Matchmaker Stakes, a race that was taken off the turf. She seems to be improving  for trainer Todd Pletcher. She has performed much better across the pond, but if she runs like she did in her last race here then she could have this race won.

My Princess Jess could surprise some folks here. She closed well last out in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes but could only finish fifth. Prior to that race she was third behind champion mare Forever Together in the Grade 1 Just a Game Stakes. A yielding track would help the daughter of Stormy Atlantic, and I think she will get one.

It’s hard for me to go against Rutherienne here. I love her record at the distance, and she is just very tough overall. Who is your pick? Leave a comment and let me know!