by Richard Migliore
November 1, 2017
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AN AGE-OLD QUESTION
by Richard Migliore XBTV.com
ANALYSIS: This is a very strong edition of the Distaff. Very tough older mares like FOREVER UNBRIDLED and STELLAR WIND will meet several vastly improving 3-year-old fillies: ABEL TASMAN has worked sensationally since a bad-trip loss in the Cotillion at Parx; ELATE has been improving all year and her victory over a suspect field in the Beldame at Belmont Park was sensational; PARADISE WOODS possesses the most natural speed and that’s always dangerous.
MAIN CONTENDERS: STELLAR WIND is taking a different tact this year in her approach to the Distaff by training up to the race instead of having a prep. Perhaps, at five years old, she may have lost a step. FOREVER UNBRIDLED also is lightly raced this year, but was terrific at Saratoga running down multiple Grade 1 winner, Songbird. Very little separated ABEL TASMAN and ELATE in the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga, but it’s ELATE who seems to have taken a bigger step forward since that effort.
VALUE PLAYS: PARADISE WOODS is not among the top three, but Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella’s expertise counts heavily. She is likely the pacesetter and, if allowed to relax early, could make everyone else pay.
WAGERING STRATEGY ($100):
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