2023 Beverly D. Stakes at a Glance

Racing
Didia, Beverly D. Stakes, Colonial Downs, Eclipse Sportswire, Vincent Cheminaud
Didia, above winning a stakes at fair Grounds in March, is a top contender for the $500,000 Beverly D. Stakes Aug. 12 at Colonial Downs. (Eclipse Sportswire)

The Beverly D. Stakes, a race honoring the late wife Arlington International head Dick Duchossois, had been a fixture on Arlington Million day. But with the Chicago-area racetrack closed, the Beverly D. has been shifted to Colonial Downs, where once again a solid field of older female grass runners will square off for Grade 1 honors. As much as some things change, in a way they also stay the same.

Beverly D. Stakes

Racetrack: Colonial Downs, New Kent, Va.

Date: Aug. 12

Purse: $500,000 

Distance: 1 3/16 miles turf

Race: 9

Post Time: 5:55 p.m. ET

Notable winners: Santa Barbara (2021), Sistercharlie (2018, 2019), Dacita (2017), Dank (2013), Stacelita (2011), Memories of  Silver (1997), Timarida (1996), Hatoof (1994), and Flawlessly (1993).

First held: 1987

The Beverly D. is part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series and guarantees the winner an expenses-paid starting spot in the Maker’s Mark Filly and Mare Turf.

1. Fev Rover (2-1 morning-line odds): Showed speed and determination at Saratoga Race Course in the Diana Stakes, pressing the pace of In Italian and finishing third by just a half-length. Breaking from the rail in a race without that much speed, she could be tough to catch.

JOCKEY: Javier Castellano; TRAINER: Mark Casse

2. Jan’s Girl (12-1): Comes off a win on the track, but takes a steep jump into Grade 1 company for her graded stakes debut. Others have much more appeal in this field.

JOCKEY: Antonio Gallardo; TRAINER: Laura Cazares

3. Romagna Mia (4-1): Makes her U.S. debut for the Team Valor partnership. Showed some promise last year but has yet to regain that form this year. Should be able to handle the distance and could take home a piece of the purse.

JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Graham Motion

4. Mise En Scene (8-1): Won a Saratoga allowance race in fast time but disappointed in three previous tries in Grade 1 company. Could sneak into the picture late.

JOCKEY: Jamie Spencer; TRAINER: Brendan Walsh

5. Didia (3-1): Had a seven-race win streak snapped when second in the Grade 1 New York Stakes. Has a nice turn of tactical speed and should be able to work out a good trip. Looks like the one to beat.

JOCKEY: Vincent Cheminaud; TRAINER: Ignacio Correas IV

Gina Romantica, Keeneland, Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes, Eclipse Sportswire
Gina Romantica (Eclipse Sportswire)

6. Gina Romantica (5-1): Should benefit from a fourth in the Eatontown Stakes at Monmouth Park while making her 2023 debut. She closed out 2022 with a Grade 1 win and can surely return to her winning ways here.

JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Chad Brown

7. Rocky Sky (6-1): Makes her first start since November here and, while she’s a Grade 3 winner, that lack of racing is a concern. Rarely turns in a poor effort but she faces a tough test here.

JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Chad Brown

THE PICK: Didia

LONGSHOT: Mise En Scene

SUPERFECTA: 5-6-1-3

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