Scheduled Post Time for Race 6: 2:30 PM CT (full Louisiana Derby Day card begins at noon CT)
Venue: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots – 1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
The Tom Benson Memorial Stakes is a key undercard feature on Louisiana Derby Day, honoring the late New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner. This is a listed stakes for older fillies and mares on the turf.
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles (about 8.5 furlongs) on turf
- Purse: $150,000
- Surface: Turf (firm conditions expected)
- Field Size: 7 fillies and mares, all carrying 118 lbs (Lasix permitted)
- Conditions: For fillies and mares 4 years old and upward
Expected Weather Conditions & Track Conditions
Sunny to mostly sunny skies with highs in the upper 70s°F (77–81°F at post time), lows overnight in the mid-50s°F. Light southwest winds of 5–10 mph, humidity moderate, and zero chance of precipitation. The turf course has had no rain for weeks and will race firm (good to firm). This setup favors tactical speed, clean trips, and horses with proven turf stamina and closing ability over pure front-runners. No wind or temperature extremes expected to alter strategy.
Full Field Analysis
Post Positions, Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, Recent Form
All horses are 4–6YO fillies/mares carrying 118 lbs.
PP 1 – Ready for Shirl (KY) (5YO mare)
- Jockey: Brian J. Hernandez Jr. (Fair Grounds stakes specialist)
- Trainer: Dallas Stewart (hot barn on turf; multiple graded wins locally)
- Breeding: More Than Ready – Perfect Shirl (Perfect Soul)
- Recent Form: 11th (troubled trip) in the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G2) at Gulfstream after winning the G2 Canadian at Woodbine last summer; first start for Stewart. HRN figure ~103.
Analysis: Strong class edge with G2-winning form. Inside post is ideal on firm turf for a stalking trip. Hernandez Jr. knows the course; live threat at 7-2 if she shakes off the Pegasus trouble.
PP 2 – Sophie’s Cruiser (KY) (5YO mare)
- Jockey: Isaac Castillo (rising star with momentum at FG)
- Trainer: Brett A. Brinkman (solid with mid-tier turf mares)
- Breeding: Catalina Cruiser – Causeway Carolyn (Giant’s Causeway)
- Recent Form: Competitive but unplaced in recent listed stakes; consistent mid-pack runner. HRN figure ~104.
Analysis: Longshot at 10-1. Needs pace help and a perfect rail trip; lacks the top-end class of the favorites but is honest and could hit the board at a price on firm ground.
PP 3 – Way to Be Marie (KY) (5YO mare) – Defending Champion
- Jockey: Luis Saez (retained mount; elite closer)
- Trainer: Eddie Kenneally (new barn after $750K Keeneland purchase by Twin Oaks Bloodstock; previously Rob Atras)
- Breeding: Not This Time – Woman of the World (Henrythenavigator)
- Recent Form: Signature win here last spring; graded stakes-placed with strong FG turf record. HRN figure ~87 but course specialist.
Analysis: The 3-1 morning-line favorite and sentimental pick. Defending champ returns sharper for new connections. Saez’s timing is perfect for firm turf; the one to beat if she replicates her 2025 FG effort.
PP 4 – For Love and Honor (KY) (5YO mare)
- Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (top rider in turf stakes)
- Trainer: Joe Sharp (excellent local record with turf fillies)
- Breeding: Sky Mesa – Calidez (Spring At Last)
- Recent Form: Consistent placer in recent listed/allowance turf races; improving figures. HRN figure ~113 (highest in field).
Analysis: Solid 5-1 chance. Sharp/Gaffalione combo is dangerous at FG. Tactical speed suits the firm course; strong exotic play underneath the top choices.
PP 5 – Cupids Crush (MN) (6YO mare)
- Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza Jr. (reliable on turf)
- Trainer: Hugh H. Robertson (patient with older mares)
- Breeding: Cupid – Dazzlingsweetheart (Dazzling Falls)
- Recent Form: Steady performer in FG turf stakes; recent placings but needs a bounce. HRN figure ~108.
Analysis: 5-1 co-third choice. Veteran with local experience; can pick up pieces late on firm ground but faces tougher class here.
PP 6 – Sea To Sky (IRE) (4YO filly)
- Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (Eclipse-level rider; turf master)
- Trainer: Cherie DeVaux (rising star with European imports)
- Breeding: Without Parole (GB) – Beyond the Sea (Sea The Stars)
- Recent Form: Competitive in recent U.S. turf stakes; improving with age. HRN figure ~90.
Analysis: Co-favorite at 7-2 with top connections. Ortiz/DeVaux tandem excels on firm turf; outside post is no issue. Major contender with upside.
PP 7 – Gavea (GER) (5YO mare)
- Jockey: Flavien Prat (world-class closer)
- Trainer: Albert M. Stall Jr. (multiple FG stakes winner; local legend)
- Breeding: Gleneagles (IRE) – Goiania (GB) (Oasis Dream)
- Recent Form: Entered off the 2026 Albert M. Stall Memorial Stakes; consistent European-style performer. HRN figure ~106.
Analysis: 6-1 value play. Stall/Prat combo is lethal at Fair Grounds. Outside post suits her closing style on firm turf; live longshot with European pedigree edge.
Betting Trends & Strategy Notes
- Favorites Edge: Defending champions and G2-placed horses have dominated recent editions of this race on firm turf.
- Turf Specialists: Trainers Stewart, Sharp, DeVaux, and Stall have combined for the bulk of recent wins in FG turf stakes.
- Small-Field Dynamics: Only 7 runners means clean trips are critical; expect a moderate pace with Ready for Shirl and Way to Be Marie prominent early. Heavy money already on the 3-1 and 7-2 favorites.
- Exotics Play: Exacta/trifecta boxes centered on Way to Be Marie (#3), Ready for Shirl (#1), and Sea To Sky (#6), with Gavea (#7) and For Love and Honor (#4) underneath for value.
Final Prediction
This is a high-quality, evenly matched turf stakes on perfect firm ground. Way to Be Marie (PP 3) is the defending champion and sentimental favorite, but Ready for Shirl (PP 1) and Sea To Sky (PP 6) offer the strongest class and connections. Expect a thrilling stretch battle with the top three separating themselves late.
