The Bed o’ Roses – Grade II

Race Date: 6/5/2026 Time: 13:30 Deadline: 6/1/2026 3:00 Track: SAR Race #: 2 Distance: 7f Surface: Dirt Race Type: Graded Stake Purse: $300.00 – For Fillies and Mares, Four Years Old and Upward

1. Honey – Martyparty – Bridgmohan S X – 123

Despite winning nearly half her starts, including two graded stakes, she has somehow stayed under the radar. Perhaps it’s her focus on the less glamorous sprint division, or the fact she hasn’t raced above Grade III yet. A win today would change that. She’s most effective at six furlongs and has yet to win at seven, but the rail draw should allow her to stalk comfortably and possibly stretch her stamina just enough.

2. Scenic Route – Royalty Stables – Machado L – 123

She turned a corner when switched to sprinting, stringing together four strong efforts capped by a solid second in the Roxelana. She still needs to improve to win this, but she draws well and her closing style gives her a chance if the pace sets up. She’ll need gaps at the right time, but as an improver she cannot be dismissed.

3. Sabalenka – Royalty Stables – Centeno D E – 123

The stable’s second runner and arguably their stronger hope. She was runner‑up in the Inside Information over this trip and followed that with a fine third in the Grade I Derby City, again at seven furlongs. Her works are sharp and at five she is in her prime. The concern is her strike rate: four wins from twenty‑five starts suggests she’s more of a top‑three type than a likely winner, but her form says she must be respected.

4. Chantilly Road – D J C Racing Stables – Bejarano R – 123

She never quite built on the promise she showed early at three, but she did win the Gasprilla over this distance and may simply be a mare who needs seven furlongs to show her best. Her works remain strong, but with only two wins from sixteen starts she’s hard to pick with confidence. If she can settle just behind the leader, she has an outside chance.

5. Viking Cat – Bigchief Stables – Husbands P – 123

Another mare with a modest win record, but she has proven herself at this trip, winning and placing at stakes level in her two seven‑furlong attempts. Older sprinters often hold their form well, and at seven years old she may be right at her peak. She carried a featherweight to win the Distaff Handicap last time after a solid run in the Royal Delta. In a tricky race, she could be the answer.

6. Sassy State – D J C Racing Stables – Pennington F – 123

A lightly raced five‑year‑old who could be the dark horse. She’s run two decent races this year and has shown ability from sprint distances up to a mile. Seven furlongs may be her sweet spot, though she was beaten by Viking Cat when fourth in the Distaff Handicap. She has something to find but looks competitive.

7. Shes All I Need – TwinTowersRacing – Gaffalione T – 123

Tested twice at Grade I level, likely too soon in her development, but she looked improved when finishing a good third in the Whimsical. The stable may have bigger targets on the horizon, but TwinTowersRacing runners are never easy to overlook. This filly continues to enhance the reputation of their breakout stallion Van Gogh.

8. Altered State – Mb Stables – Velazquez J R – 123

A wide draw is usually a disadvantage, but not for this front‑runner. She has used the outside gate speed push before and will almost certainly do so again. She has clearly hit her five‑year‑old stride, and her Grade I Derby City win last time is the standout form in the field. Top trainer, top jockey, ideal running style, and a draw that suits her tactics — she is the obvious choice.

SUMMARY

Altered State wins this race nine times out of ten, but there is a small concern: if she’s pressured early, she could be softened up and vulnerable late. Seven furlongs stretches her just enough to leave a sliver of opportunity for a rival running the race of her life.

If the upset comes, the most likely candidates are Viking Cat, who is in strong form and proven at the trip, and Sabalenka, who finished only a length behind the top pick in the Derby City.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES