Bed o Roses Handicap – Grade 2 – $200.000

BEL – 7F – Dirt

For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward

June 17, 2023

1 Wicked Ride (High Voltage)

Five-year-old mare with seven wins in a twenty-one-race career. Her last trip to the winner’s circle came in optional claiming back in April 2022. She’s been knocking on the door of graded stakes since then but hasn’t been able to close the deal.

2 Ponderosa (Smokey Stover)

Solid allowance mare but hasn’t had a graded win since last year’s Bed o Roses. To be fair, she hasn’t raced in graded company since then. Will be interesting to see if she can repeat.

3 Break From Holly (Nakamura Stables)

Won the $120.000 Pumpkin Pie in October but hasn’t been back to the winner’s circle since. Look for her stalking or mid-pack. If she gets a clean trip, she could have a say in the outcome.

4 Afar (D J C Racing Stables)

Finished a close third last out in the Grade 3 Whimsical at WO. Very well managed filly. You’d have to go back to September 2021 for a worse than third finish. Brings her A game every time she steps on the track. That could be enough to get her part of this purse and a win wouldn’t be a surprise.

5 Fearless Move (Alydar Stables)

Won the $100.000 Broussard Memorial at FG in December. Wasn’t able to hit the board in her next two, but then finished a close third in the Grade 3 Vagrancy Handicap last out. Does her best running on the lead but may have trouble getting there in this field.

6 Chateau Margaux (Mo Mentum Farm)

Won the $100.000 Mardi Gras Stakes at FG and followed that up with a second in the $250.000 Giants Causeway. Looking strong this year with two on-the-board finishes in three starts. Another one that likes the lead and might not be able to hold it.

7 Grandest Lady (La Canada Racehorses)

Won the Bay Ridge at AQU in NY-bred company in December. Since then, she’s been racing pretty successfully in allowance and optional claiming company with a first and two seconds in three starts so far this year. Likes to lay just off the lead and strike from there. Could have a say in the outcome.

8 Nolo Contendere (Riggins Racing)

Close in all of her starts since October with two wins, one coming last out in the Grade 3 Vagrancy Handicap here at BEL. A late runner that could benefit from an early speed duel. Looks like a real contender.

9 Lady Narloff (TwinTowersRacing)

Not much luck in graded company since winning the Grade 2 Princess Rooney last July. Will need to step it up a bit to compete here.

Picks: 8-6

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES