The Politely Stakes at Laurel Park is set to be an exhilarating race for fillies and mares, three years old and upward, covering a distance of six furlongs on dirt. Scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024, this race features a guaranteed purse of $75,000.
Key Details:
- Purse: $75,000 (Guaranteed)
- Distance: Six Furlongs (Dirt)
- Eligibility: Registered Maryland-bred or Maryland-sired fillies and mares, three years old and upward, not permitted Lasix within 48 hours of post time
- Entry Fee: $375 to pass the entry box, $375 additional to start; supplemental nominations of $750 accepted by the usual time of entry
- Distribution: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth, 3% to fifth, 1% to sixth
- Weights: Three-Year-Olds: 125 lbs; Older: 126 lbs
- Allowances: Non-winners of an open Sweepstakes in 2024 allowed 2 lbs; of a restricted Sweepstakes in 2024, 4 lbs; non-winners of $30,000 once in 2024, 6 lbs
- Trophy: Awarded to the owner of the winner
Field Overview:
- Bella Bettina (MD) – Midshipman – Congaree Princess
- Summer Odds (MD) – Despite the Odds – Summer Wind Haley
- Pudd’n N Pie (MD) – Unified – Plum
- Sheilahs Warcloud (MD) – Madefromlucky – Sky Lani
- Spencerian (MD) – Irish War Cry – Cursive
- Talk to the Judge (MD) – Golden Lad – Talkin Smack
- Bourbon Bon Bay (MD) – Bourbon Courage – Sheza Dish
- Royal Whisper (MD) – Palace Malice – Discreet Star
Race Analysis:
Bourbon Bon Bay is the morning line favorite with odds of 9/5, having demonstrated exceptional performance and consistency. Spencerian is another strong contender with odds of 2/1, known for her speed and strong finishes. Sheilahs Warcloud and Bella Bettina are also expected to be competitive, with odds of 5/2 and 8/1, respectively.
Bourbon Bon Bay has a higher Brisnet Speed figure and a strong pedigree, making her the top contender. However, Spencerian and Sheilahs Warcloud cannot be discounted given their solid performances and competitive edges.
Jockeys and Trainers:
- Bella Bettina: Forest Boyce, Samuel G. Davis
- Summer Odds: Tais Lyapustina, Douglas L. McClure
- Pudd’n N Pie: Alexander Crispin, Kieron L. Deiter
- Sheilahs Warcloud: Johan G. Briceno, Justin J. Nixon
- Spencerian: Horacio Karamanos, Hugh I. McMahon
- Talk to the Judge: Mychel J. Sanchez, Michelle K. Montoya
- Bourbon Bon Bay: Jaime Rodriguez, Edward T. Allard
- Royal Whisper: Reylu Gutierrez, Michael E. Gorham
Conclusion:
The Politely Stakes promises to be a thrilling race with a mix of seasoned and promising fillies and mares. Bourbon Bon Bay is the favorite, but the unpredictable nature of horse racing means any of the top contenders could emerge victorious.
