The La Troienne Grade I is set for May 1, 2026, at Churchill Downs, contested over 1 1/16 miles on dirt for fillies and mares four years old and upward, carrying a purse of $1,000.00. This race has evolved into one of the premier events for older females, with recent winners including Hobo Blues (2025) for Alydar Stables and Untidy (2024) for Mb Stables. Prominent connections such as Velazquez J R and major outfits like Mb Stables and TwinTowersRacing have consistently appeared in the winner’s circle, and this year’s edition again features a high-quality and accomplished field.

Horse-by-Horse Preview

1. Credit Crime
Trainer/Owner: Aer Stables
Probable Jockey: Ortiz I Jr
Odds: 7-2
Credit Crime enters in outstanding form, winning both starts in 2026, including the Wiley-G1 on April 11 where she tracked the pace before taking control late. She also captured the Bayakoa-G3 earlier this year and owns multiple Grade I victories from 2025. With $4,780.50 in earnings and a versatile running style, she has a strong chance to win if she repeats her recent performances.

2. Devil In High Heels
Trainer/Owner: The Sidley Stud
Probable Jockey: Lopez P
Odds: 8-1
Devil In High Heels has consistently competed at the graded level, finishing third in the Doubledog-G2 most recently and second in the HOU La Classic-G3 earlier this year. She also owns a Grade I victory from Saratoga last season. Her form suggests she can stay competitive, though she may need improvement to win.

3. Coffee Trauma
Trainer/Owner: The Freakshow
Probable Jockey: Centeno D E
Odds: 12-1
Coffee Trauma is riding a four-race winning streak in 2026, including a recent allowance victory at Parx. While those wins came outside of graded stakes company, her consistency is notable. She will need to prove she belongs at this level, but her current form makes her an intriguing outsider with a chance to hit the board.

4. Starting Over
Trainer/Owner: TwinTowersRacing
Probable Jockey: Sanchez M J
Odds: 6-1
Starting Over is a seasoned mare with $5,317.36 in earnings and strong back-class. She was second in the Azeri-G2 earlier this year and won the HOU La Classic-G3 in January. Her experience at the top level, including multiple Grade I placings, gives her a solid chance to contend again.

5. Wasted Away
Trainer/Owner: Mb Stables
Probable Jockey: Velazquez J R
Odds: 5-2
Wasted Away enters off a victory in the Beholder-G1 at Santa Anita, where she pressed the pace and finished strongly. She has been competitive against elite company throughout her career and owns $4,533.00 in earnings. With her tactical speed and recent Grade I win, she is a major contender.

6. Boardwalk Authority
Trainer/Owner: Winning Link Stables
Probable Jockey: Hernandez R M
Odds: 9-2
Boardwalk Authority has been consistent in graded company, finishing third in the Apple Blossom-G1 and Beholder-G1 in her last two starts. She has a tendency to stay close throughout and has enough class to factor into the outcome, especially if the pace unfolds favorably.

7. Spring Street
Trainer/Owner: High Voltage
Probable Jockey: Hernandez J J
Odds: 10-1
Spring Street won the Azeri-G2 in March and followed with a sixth in the Madison-G1 sprint. She has shown the ability to compete at this level, particularly at route distances. Her best form puts her in the mix, though she will need to rebound from her last effort.

8. Old Mexico
Trainer/Owner: Mo Mentum Farm
Probable Jockey: Carmouche K
Odds: 15-1
Old Mexico has been competitive in graded stakes but has not broken through recently, finishing fifth in the Apple Blossom-G1 and third in the Bayakoa-G3. She has the experience and durability to stay involved but appears slightly below the top tier in this field.

Pace Structure and Prediction

The early pace should be active with Wasted Away, Coffee Trauma, and possibly Spring Street showing forward intent. Credit Crime and Boardwalk Authority are likely to track just behind the leaders, while Starting Over and Devil In High Heels may settle mid-pack. If the pace is pressured, it sets up well for a stalker with finishing ability.

Projected Winner: Credit Crime
Main Danger: Wasted Away
Best Value: Boardwalk Authority
Live Longshot: Coffee Trauma

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES