Handicapper's Corner: 2022 Diana Stakes (G1)

 Which Chad Brown Filly will win the Diana Stakes?

By: Michael Amo, ThoroFan

Diana was the Greek Goddess of the Hunt and believed to be able to converse with animals. Two skills fitting for a horse race. Perhaps she will whisper to one of the six in this small field that it is her turn to win. 

 

However, she has not told this handicapper anything, so I need to roll-up my sleeves and pick the winner. The real question for this years Diana Stakes (GI) is which of Chad Brown’s horses will win. With 4 of 6 in the field coming from his barn that seems like a certainty. Let’s look at the field to be sure.

 

     1.       Technical Analysis (Kingman -GB) One of Brown’s pace setters. Jose Ortiz jumps back on rather than on In Italian who gets Rosario for the first time. Should be in the mix at the end.

    2.       Creative Flair (Dubawi-IRE) Comes off a long layoff which has not hurt her in the past. Jockey/Trainer have the highest win percentage. Comes in lighter than in previous. Will be poised to close for some of the money.

    3.       Bleecker Street (Quality Road) Looks like the one to beat. Undefeated in seven races. Irad Ortiz stays up. Working OK. Will be rocketing in the stretch. If the pace is sufficiently fast, she should win.

    4.       Rougir (Territories-IRE) Another Brown runner that needs a torrid pace. Failed to catch Bleeker Street in last which was a 10-furlong event. Saving a furlong this time may make the distance.

    5.       Dalika (Pastorius-GER) She is well traveled and working nicely. Step-up in company may be too much. Santana has a second try on her. Gets a little relief in weight.

    6.       In Italian (Dubawi-IRE) Another pacesetter for Brown. Gets Rosario for the first time. The extra distance may be too much for her. May be in the exotics.

    Analysis 

This race will be totally a jockey’s race. However, with the quality of jockeys in the race It is hard to see any riding weaknesses. The small field of six will unlikely cause traffic problems for any. It will come down to which jockey can judge the evolving pace and move perfectly at the right time.

Although seems that Bleeker Street will remain undefeated, Prat on Rougir may pull the upset. Here is how they will finish:

     4.     Rougir (3-1)

     3.       Bleeker Street (6-5)

     6.       In Italian (6-1)

     2.       Creative Flair (8-1)

Handigamble:

$2 TriBox--#2, #3, #4 and #6--$48

$5 TriKey--#4 with #2, #3 and #6--$30

$20 win --#4