9 Fillies Set to Go in Rachel Alexandra

Stageplay is the clear-cut 7/5 favorite for trainer Steve Asmussen after posting a workman-like effort in the Silverbulletday Stakes January 16 while earning her first victory around two turns. The race marked the talented filly’s first start as a three year-old following a promising juvenile campaign where she won 2 of 3 starts. Stageplay’s lone defeat came over a sloppy Churchill Downs racetrack November 28 where the gray or roan daughter of Curlin finished a non-threatening second. If there is any knock against Stageplay it’s that her Beyer Speed Figures have flat-lined in her last three starts, posting consecutive figures of 83, 82 and 82. Nevertheless, she holds a clear speed advantage over the field and another filly will have to improve to beat her.

Forever Darling ships east

Forever Darling (7/2) ships in from the west coast following a 2016 debut winning performance in the Grade 2 Santa Ynez January 2 at Santa Anita. That race was at the six and a half furlong distance, with her lone try around two turns producing a disappointing eighth-place effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. The Richard Baltas-trained filly, however, has proven class and is bred to handle the route distance. She cannot be dismissed despite the poor effort, and is a logical choice to topple the favorite.

Maiden winner steps up

Shaken (12/1) enters the race off just a single maiden race, but was a smashing debut winner January 30 at Fair Grounds. Trained by Michael Stidham, the precocious daughter of Uncle Mo looked professional stalking the early speed and kicking clear in the lane. She gives up plenty of experience and will have to handle the extra ground, but is an appealing price.