The Beverly D. Stakes may not call Arlington International home any more, but as it moves to Churchill Downs it remains a top stakes for female turf filles and mares. Some of the sport’s best female turf runners won the stakes during its years at Arlington, and Saturday’s renewal once again features some worthy candidates for Grade 1 honors.
The Beverly D. is a “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series race for the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf granting the winner an expenses-paid berth in the Nov. 5 race at Keeneland.
1. Dalika (8-1): She has not showed much in Grade 1 stakes and should face some early pressure here. She could figure in the exotics but a victory seems unlikely.
JOCKEY: Brian J. Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Al Stall Jr.
2. Family Way (3-1): She was a game second in her last two starts, including her last start in the Grade 1 New York Stakes. She’s been no worse than second in her last four races and looks hard to beat here.
JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Brendan Walsh
3. Princess Grace (3-1): Jumped back on the winning track last time, taking the Grade 3 Dr. James Penny Memorial Stakes for a second straight year. On her best race, she can be a main factor and the small field should allow her to work out a good trip.
JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Michael Stidham
4. Rougir (2-1): She disappointed in her last two starts after opening 2022 with an impressive win in the Beaugay Stakes for trainer Chad Brown. She had some trouble in her last start, when she finished fourth in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes, and is certainly capable of a winning effort in this field.
JOCKEY: Manny Franco; TRAINER: Chad Brown
5. Lily Pond (5-2): The European shipper comes off a Group 2 win at the distance and hails from the barn of leading European trainer Aidan O’Brien. She turned in a much improved effort last time to win that stakes and might be coming into a top form cycle as she arrives in the United States.
JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Aidan O’Brien
THE PICK: Family Way
TRIFECTA: 2-4-5
Pick 4
3-5-7-1
3-5-7-1
$1,554
Pick 5
1-3-5-7-1
1-3-5-7-1
$19,081
Pick 4
3-5-7-1
3-5-7-1
$1,554
Pick 5
1-3-5-7-1
1-3-5-7-1
$19,081
