Not to be outdone by the boys in the Pennsylvania Derby, the 3-year-old fillies will take to the Parx Racing dance floor on Saturday with their own Grade 1 race. The Cotillion Stakes is an important stop between the marquee summer meets and the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff, which is the premier route race for females at the World Championships.
The Cotillion has a long history that dates back to the 1970s, and this year’s group will be attempting to join recent standout winners like Havre de Grace, Untapable, Songbird, and Midnight Bisou in a quest for a part of what amounts to a $1 million purse.
On Monday, the draw included a trio of Todd Pletcher trainees. The Hall of Famer will have Virginia-bred Green Up (#1, 6-1); Red Oak Stable homebred Goddess of Fire (#3, 5-1); and last but not least, Shahama (#7, 8-1), a Munnings filly that sold for $425,000 at the 2021 OBS spring sale of 2-year-olds in training, all ready to fire. Out of these, I am most intrigued by that last 3-year-old, especially since she won so impressively last time out in the Grade 3 Monmouth Oaks. Flavien Prat will climb back aboard, and he has experience with his mount that dates back to a sixth-place finish in the Longines Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. At the time, she came to the U.S. with a spotless record at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. I would expect Prat will have her forwardly placed.
Of course, the marquee name coming into the Cotillion Stakes, and prohibitive favorite, is Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ talented filly Secret Oath (#6, 2-1). Briland Farm bred and owns the Arrogate filly, who set the Thoroughbred world abuzz during her powerful run through Oaklawn Park back in the spring. Lukas was not shy about entering her against males in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, and she rebounded from a third-place finish in that race to win the Kentucky Oaks against Pletcher’s Nest. Despite finishing second behind her familiar rival in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks and Grade 1 Alabama Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, she seemed tired. Therefore, one has to question whether Lukas is misestimating how much gas she has left in the tank. Regular jockey Luis Saez will ride aggressively, even though the filly will carry the most weight at 126 pounds.
As for a top selection, I cannot negate the presence of Bob Baffert and his Uncle Mo filly Adare Manor (#2, 7-2). Breaking from an inside spot in the starting gate, she should have no issues getting to the lead. I think this is precisely what Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith will do. She should be a decent price come post time, since bettors might be concerned about her level of fitness. Her last race was the Grade 2 George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico on May 20. Still, Baffert would not send his charge from the West Coast to the East Coast if she was not prepared. A solid workout tab makes me think she will be fresh off the bench. Baffert has to be respected in races like this one, and her price on the tote board should be square. Could we be looking at a late-season addition to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff? I think so … let’s dance!
Wagering Strategy on a $10 Budget
$10 to win on #2 ($10)
What to say at the betting window: Parx, Race 11, $10 to win on 2
Wagering Strategy on a $30 Budget
$20 to win on #2 ($20)
What to say at the betting window: Parx, Race 11, $20 to win on 2
$5 Exacta Box: 2,7 ($10)
What to say at the betting window: Parx, Race 11, $5 exacta box 2,7
Wagering Strategy on a $50 Budget
$30 to win on #2 ($30)
What to say at the betting window: Parx, Race 11, $20 to win on 2
$2 trifecta wheel: 2 with 6,7 with 1,3,6,7 ($12)
What to say at the betting window: Parx, Race 11, $2 trifecta part wheel 2 with 6,7 with 1,3,6,7
$2 double: Race 11, 2 with Race 12, 1,5,7,11 ($8)
What to say at the betting window: Parx, Race 11, $2 double 2 with 1,5,7,11
