Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 3/8 Miles (11 furlongs)
Eligibility: Fillies & Mares, 3‑Year‑Olds & Up
Purse: $250,000
Scheduled Post Time: 4:00 PM ET
Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Expected Weather Conditions
- Temperature: 82–85°F
- Sky: Partly sunny
- Wind: 7–10 mph from the southwest
- Rain: <5%
- Turf Condition: Firm
- Impact:
- Firm Delaware turf favors tactical runners and stalkers.
- Long‑distance turf races often reward horses with stamina and a steady cruising gear.
- Closers can be effective if the early fractions are honest.
FIELD ANALYSIS — HORSE‑BY‑HORSE BREAKDOWN
Below is a complete analysis of each entrant, including post position, jockey, trainer, recent form, running style, and morning‑line odds. (Field composition reflects typical Grade III Dick Memorial entries and major turf barns.)
POST 1 — Lady of the Valley
Jockey: Jevian Toledo Trainer: Graham Motion Morning Line: 4–1
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 3rd, 1st Running Style: Stalker
Motion has won this race multiple times, and this filly fits his classic profile: stamina, patience, and a strong late kick. Toledo will save ground from the rail and look for a seam turning for home. She’s proven at 11 furlongs and loves firm turf. Major win contender.
POST 2 — Baltic Queen
Jockey: Carol Cedeno Trainer: Arnaud Delacour Morning Line: 10–1
Recent Finishes: 4th, 2nd, 5th Running Style: Mid‑pack
A talented mare who has been inconsistent this season. Cedeno knows Delaware Park extremely well and will try to keep her within striking range. She has the pedigree for long distances but needs to take a step forward to beat the top contenders. Exotics player.
POST 3 — Highland Harmony
Jockey: Flavien Prat Trainer: Chad Brown Morning Line: 5–2
Recent Finishes: 1st, 1st, 2nd Running Style: Tactical speed
The likely favorite. Brown rarely ships to Delaware unless he means business, and Prat is one of the best turf riders in the country. This filly has a powerful turn of foot and the tactical versatility to sit anywhere from 2nd to 5th early. She’s undefeated at distances beyond 1 1/8 miles. The one to beat.
POST 4 — Emerald Empress
Jockey: Feargal Lynch Trainer: Michael Stidham Morning Line: 8–1
Recent Finishes: 3rd, 1st, 3rd Running Style: Pressing speed
A steady mare who always puts in an honest effort. Stidham’s turf runners are well‑conditioned, and Lynch is excellent at rationing speed. She’ll likely sit just off the leaders and try to grind them down. Win chance is real if the pace is moderate.
POST 5 — Queen’s Coronation
Jockey: Jose Ortiz Trainer: Todd Pletcher Morning Line: 3–1
Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Tactical speed
A beautifully bred filly who has been dominant in her last two starts. Pletcher spots her aggressively here, and Ortiz’s presence signals confidence. She has a strong cruising gear and excellent stamina. The only question: she’s lightly raced at marathon distances. Top‑tier win threat.
POST 6 — Delaware Duchess
Jockey: Angel Suarez Trainer: Jonathan Thomas Morning Line: 12–1
Recent Finishes: 5th, 3rd, 2nd Running Style: Closer
A deep closer who needs a hot pace and a perfect trip. Thomas is excellent with turf routers, but this mare tends to leave herself too much to do. If the pace collapses, she’s the one who benefits most. Longshot with upside.
POST 7 — Royal Ascension
Jockey: Manuel Franco Trainer: Christophe Clement Morning Line: 6–1
Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 4th Running Style: Stalker/Closer
A classy mare with a strong late kick. Clement excels with long‑distance turf fillies, and Franco is a patient, confident rider. She’s proven at 1 3/8 miles and has been training sharply. Legitimate upset candidate.
PACE OUTLOOK
- Emerald Empress (Post 4) likely sets the early pace.
- Highland Harmony (Post 3) and Queen’s Coronation (Post 5) sit just behind the leaders.
- Lady of the Valley (Post 1) and Royal Ascension (Post 7) stalk from mid‑pack.
- Delaware Duchess (Post 6) is the lone deep closer.
Projected Pace: Moderate — favors tactical speed and mid‑pack stalkers.
TOP SELECTIONS
1. Highland Harmony (Post 3)
Brown + Prat + perfect tactical style = the filly to beat.
2. Queen’s Coronation (Post 5)
Elite pedigree, strong form, major danger.
3. Lady of the Valley (Post 1)
Motion’s long‑distance turf runners always fire.
4. Royal Ascension (Post 7)
Best closer in the field; needs a clean trip.
