THE SHAWNEE — GRADE II

Churchill Downs — Race 11 May 30, 2026 — 16:05 1 1/16 miles | Dirt | Fillies & Mares 4+ | Purse $300.00

FIELD BREAKDOWN

1 — Barossa Valley

Mo Mentum Farm — Espinoza V — 122

A five-year-old winner of nine races she has never been far away from being in the top of the fillies and mares and gets a decent draw for her running style today to make it win number ten. 12th in last years BC Distaff coming off a second in the grade one Spinster she certainly has shown no signs of decline this year after very nearly winning the Royal Delta and running a close up fourth in the Apple Blossom. Her works are on the money and she is sure to be a major contender.

2 — Devil In High Heels

The Sidley Stud — Lopez P — 122

Finished in front of Barossa Valley in the BC and behind her in the Spinster demonstrating just how hard it is to run two similar races here at HRP. She has won one less race than Barossa Valley but over $600 more and being the same age have come across each other more than once. I could go through the score between them but it would mean nothing so all I can say is they both have every chance of beating each other with the inside two draws, it’s just whether they can beat everything else. A fine second over this course and distance in the La Troinne in her last start, I put her just on top today in the match.

3 — California Dream

D J C Racing Stables — Centeno D E — 122

A lightly raced four-year-old she gets her chance at the big guns today after a solid win in overnight grade last time. She is progressive and consistent but this is a huge step up for her.

4 — Delilahs Den

Simmer Down Stable — Corrales G — 122

Although she has raced 24 times, she is a little hard to assess as only one of those races was beyond a mile. Third in the Lukas in February she clearly has ability the only question mark against her will be the trip.

5 — Shericka

Winning Link Stables — Velazquez J R — 122

Only just beaten in the grade one Test last year she was a very good three-year-old but going on her average effort in the Doubledogdare last time I do wonder whether her improvement curve has flattened slightly as it can do when they hit four. She deserves another chance because she is that good but I will need to see her back in form at this level to be picking her.

6 — Red High Heels

TwinTowersRacing — Gaffalione T — 122

The trainer will have bigger races on their mind at the moment but has chances here of atleats top three with this six-year-old. She won a decent allowance at KEE last time putting behind her a run of ordinary form so if she has regained her mojo and can lead this small field, she may be very hard to run down.

7 — Go For Glory

Mb Stables — Lezcano J — 122

The two outside runners here are both on pace sorts so it will be down to the start to see which one can make the front. I think the outside speed push may be enough to see this four-year-old get there and we saw in the Doubledogdare last time just how tough she can be if getting a lead. The winner of five from just nine she has it all in front of her and if the race engine doesn’t beat her, she may be the answer in a tricky race.

SUMMARY

The inside two have all the class to win this but Go For Glory has a lot going for her if she isn’t used up going for the lead. Barossa Valley could be the fly in the ointment if she goes on speed from the inside as she will hang the other two speed horses out to dry and that could leave it for Devil In High Heels to come through late and pick up the pieces.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES