Selene Stakes (GIII) – Race Preview & Analysis

June 27, 2026 – Woodbine – 1 1/16 miles (Dirt) For 3‑year‑old fillies – Purse $150.00

This is a compact but genuinely intriguing field of seven, mixing proven stakes fillies, late developers, and a couple who may be punching above their weight. The pace looks honest without being suicidal, and the Woodbine dirt configuration tends to reward tactical speed and sustained finishers. Several fillies arrive with improving figures, and there is no overwhelming standout—making this a race where trip and maturity may decide the outcome.

1 – Deadmans Party (Axeman / Moran D)

Profile: 11: 4‑1‑2, best fig 94 Running Style: Tactical stalker Key Question: Can she stretch her speed to 8.5f at graded level?

She’s been a model of consistency sprinting, and her Fury Stakes second last out was a strong effort. The lone route attempt last year was flat, but she’s a more mature filly now and her recent works suggest she’s thriving. The rail draw helps her secure a ground‑saving stalking trip.

Win Chance: Legitimate contender if she stays the trip; stamina is the only knock.

2–She Makes The Rules(Mb Stables / Moran P)

Profile: 2: 1‑1‑0, best fig 94 Running Style: Pace‑pressing filly with upside Key Question: Too much too soon?

She’s lightly raced but already fast enough to win this. Her debut turf win was sharp, and she backed it up with a strong second in the Rul Ang on dirt. The pedigree screams route potential, and Mb Stables doesn’t place horses in graded races unless they belong. She’s the least exposed filly in the field and could improve dramatically stretching out.

Win Chance: Major upside play; could jump forward and win.

3–Pretty Pretty Good (La Canada / Singh Su)

Profile: 10: 4‑2‑2, best fig 94 Running Style: Forward, grinding type Key Question: Can she reproduce her SA form at WO?

Her Melair win was gritty and professional, and she’s been reliable at this distance. She’s danced every dance, holds her form, and has tactical speed that plays well at Woodbine. The only concern is whether she’s as effective outside California, but her figures travel well.

Win Chance: Rock‑solid contender; one of the most reliable fillies in the race.

4 – Cailleach (Jerry Garcia Racing / Salles L)

Profile: 8: 2‑2‑2, best fig 94 Running Style: Midpack closer Key Question: Does she have the finishing punch to win?

Her last three routes have been excellent—2nd in the BrbntO, then a strong allowance win at CD. She’s steadily improving and has been working brilliantly at WO. She’ll need a pace to run at, but if the leaders soften each other up, she’s the one who can capitalize late.

Win Chance: Sneaky good; a live upset candidate.

5 – Grecia Tieta (Waldo / Chernetz S)

Profile: 5: 2‑0‑0, best fig 94 Running Style: Speedy but unproven at routes Key Question: Can she stay 8.5f at graded pace?

Her sprint win in the SYnez was sharp, but her two route tries in GII company were one‑paced. She’s talented, but this distance may be her ceiling for now. If she gets loose early, she could hang around longer than expected, but she’s more of an exotics fringe player.

Win Chance: Needs a perfect trip; minor award more likely.

6–Undercover Agent(John Henry/Walcott R W)

Profile: 6: 1‑0‑2, best fig 92 Running Style: Off‑the‑pace grinder Key Question: Is she fast enough?

She’s honest and improving, but she hasn’t shown the turn of foot needed to win a GIII. Her Fury Stakes third was respectable, but she was never threatening the top pair. She’ll run on late, but the ceiling looks limited at this stage.

Win Chance: Longshot; needs major improvement.

7–Cappelletti (D J C Racing Stables/ Wilson E J)

Profile: 4: 2‑1‑0, best fig 94 Running Style: Pace‑pressing or controlling speed Key Question: Is she the best filly in the race right now?

Her Melair second was excellent—she lost by a nose after doing the dirty work up front. She’s undefeated around two turns except for that narrow loss, and her figures are consistently strong. She’s drawn outside, but her tactical speed should allow her to sit exactly where she wants.

Win Chance: Arguably the most reliable win threat; very strong chance.

SUMMARY

An even looking field where there will be inches not lengths covering them at the end. I think Cailleach has the better form here and certainly has a touch of class but there are a good few if not all with plenty of potential here and it may just be too close to call.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES