The Ruffian Handicap-G2 will be run on May 9, 2026, at AQU, Race #3, at 1 mile on dirt for fillies and mares four years old and upward, carrying a purse of $200.00. Recent winners include Alice Springs in 2024 and Menacing Shadow in 2025, while Mb Stables has had repeated success in this race historically.

Horse-by-Horse Preview

Balius
Trainer/Owner: Threshold. Probable Jockey: Lezcano J.
Balius comes in with a strong overall record and has already hit the board in graded company this season, finishing third in the Beholder-G1 after sitting close throughout. Her 2026 form is solid, and her dirt-mile profile fits well. Odds: 5/1.

Down On The Beat
Trainer/Owner: Winning Link Stables. Probable Jockey: Velazquez J R.
Down On The Beat enters off a good second in allowance company at Keeneland, and Velazquez gives her an obvious rider upgrade. She has wet-track experience and enough back class to be useful, but this is a tougher spot. Odds: 8/1.

Anoushka On Tap
Trainer/Owner: Winning Link Stables. Probable Jockey: Santana R Jr.
Anoushka On Tap was dull in her lone 2026 start over a muddy track in the Azeri BC-G2, but her 2025 dirt-route form included competitive efforts in the Comely-G3, Mother Goose-G2, Cotillion-G1, and Alabama-G1. A return to fast dirt gives her some rebound appeal. Odds: 10/1.

Delilahs Den
Trainer/Owner: Simmer Down Stable. Probable Jockey: Carmouche K.
Delilahs Den has been consistent at seven furlongs, including a runner-up finish last out at Keeneland and a third in the LukasS-G2. The concern is that she shows no LONG record, so the mile is a question. Odds: 7/1.

Eilonwy
Trainer/Owner: TwinTowersRacing. Probable Jockey: Zayas E J.
Eilonwy has faced graded company this season but has not moved forward in her 2026 starts. She has back numbers that keep her in the mix, but she likely needs a cleaner finishing kick than she showed in the Madison-G1 and Beholder-G1. Odds: 12/1.

Wyldewood
Trainer/Owner: Mo Mentum Farm. Probable Jockey: Franco M.
Wyldewood exits two sprint efforts where she was competitive late, but most of her better recent work has come shorter. Stretching back to a mile is not impossible given her career LONG record, but this race demands a sharper dirt-route finish. Odds: 9/1.

Barossa Valley
Trainer/Owner: Mo Mentum Farm. Probable Jockey: Prat F.
Barossa Valley has the right profile for this. She was fourth in the Apple Blossom-G1 after pressing the pace, nearly won the Royal Delta-G3, and owns consistent dirt-route form against quality fillies and mares. She looks like the most reliable win candidate. Odds: 3/1.

Sassy State
Trainer/Owner: D J C Racing Stables. Probable Jockey: Davis D.
Sassy State was fourth in the Distaff Handicap-G3 and has shown useful one-mile form, including a win at TUP late last year. She needs to improve off her 2026 races but fits underneath if the pace comes back. Odds: 10/1.

Always The One
Trainer/Owner: Williams9. Probable Jockey: Civaci S.
Always The One is 3-for-3 in 2026 and brings clear early pace. She has been winning at a lower level but is in sharp form, and her one-mile profile makes her dangerous if allowed to control the tempo. Odds: 4/1.

Chantilly Road
Trainer/Owner: D J C Racing Stables. Probable Jockey: Rodriguez Jam.
Chantilly Road has been knocking on the door in allowance and optional claiming company, including two recent runner-up finishes. She has enough consistency to be considered, though this is a class test. Odds: 8/1.

Pace Structure And Predicted Winner

Always The One projects as the primary pace, with Balius, Barossa Valley, and possibly Delilahs Den close enough to apply pressure. Chantilly Road and Down On The Beat should be positioned just behind that group, while Anoushka On Tap, Eilonwy, Wyldewood, and Sassy State may need the race to soften late.

Projected Winner: Barossa Valley
Main danger: Always The One
Best value: Anoushka On Tap

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES