Belterra Park — Cincinnati, Ohio
Scheduled Post Time: 3:36 PM ET
Purse: $100,000 (Ohio‑Bred Fillies & Mares Stakes)
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles
Surface: Dirt
The Best of Ohio Diana Stakes is the premier early‑summer route stakes for Ohio‑bred fillies and mares. This year’s field features a mix of proven older mares, rising 4‑year‑olds, and a few long‑shot closers hoping for a pace collapse. Belterra’s two‑turn dirt configuration typically rewards tactical speed and stamina, making trip and positioning crucial.
EXPECTED WEATHER & TRACK CONDITIONS
- Temperature: 73–76°F
- Sky: Partly sunny
- Humidity: 55–60%
- Wind: 5–8 mph (light tailwind on the backstretch)
- Chance of Rain: <10%
- Projected Track Condition: Fast
Conditions favor forwardly placed runners and press‑and‑pounce types.
FULL FIELD ANALYSIS
(Post Positions, Jockeys, Trainers, Recent Form, Running Style, and Morning‑Line Odds)
Post 1 — Buckeye Beauty
ML Odds: 4–1 Jockey: Sonny Leon Trainer: Larry Smith Recent Finishes: 3rd, 1st, 2nd Running Style: Rail‑stalking grinder
Analysis: Leon is one of the best rail riders at Belterra, and this mare draws perfectly for her style. She lacks explosive acceleration but grinds relentlessly and rarely runs a bad race. If she saves ground and gets a clean inside trip, she’s a major threat late.
Win Chance: Strong contender; reliable and consistent.
Post 2 — Queen of Cincinnati
ML Odds: 6–1 Jockey: Gerardo Corrales Trainer: Tim Hamm Recent Finishes: 4th, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Tactical stalker
Analysis: A versatile mare who can sit second or third and make a sustained run. Corrales fits her perfectly. Her speed figures are competitive, and she’s proven at the distance. She’s not flashy, but she’s dangerous if the pace is moderate.
Win Chance: Solid value; must include in exotics.
Post 3 — Lady Ohio
ML Odds: 8–1 Jockey: Pablo Morales Trainer: Susan Anderson Recent Finishes: 5th, 3rd, 1st Running Style: Mid‑pack closer
Analysis: A talented but inconsistent mare who fires big when she gets pace. Morales is a strong finishing rider, but Belterra’s two‑turn dirt often favors speed. She’ll need a lively early tempo to unleash her best kick.
Win Chance: Fringe contender; better for trifectas.
Post 4 — Diana’s Pride
ML Odds: 3–1 (Morning‑Line Favorite) Jockey: John McKee Trainer: Jeff Greenhill Recent Finishes: 1st, 1st, 2nd Running Style: Press‑and‑pounce
Analysis: The namesake‑themed filly enters in peak form with back‑to‑back wins and rising speed figures. McKee excels with tactical types, and this mare’s ability to sit just off the pace makes her extremely dangerous. She’s the most consistent route performer in the field.
Win Chance: The horse to beat.
Post 5 — Belterra Queen
ML Odds: 12–1 Jockey: Luan Machado Trainer: Robert Cline Recent Finishes: 6th, 4th, 5th Running Style: Deep closer
Analysis: A one‑run closer who struggles to keep up early. She’s better suited to longer distances and needs a total pace meltdown to threaten. Her late kick is legitimate, but she’s pace‑dependent and inconsistent.
Win Chance: Longshot; minor exotics use only.
Post 6 — Ohio Empress
ML Odds: 5–1 Jockey: Alex Achard Trainer: Jay Bernardini Recent Finishes: 2nd, 1st, 3rd Running Style: Forwardly placed
Analysis: A tough, gritty mare who fights every step. Achard is aggressive early, and this mare thrives when she’s in the first flight. She’s not as classy as the favorite, but she’s consistent and has the right running style for Belterra.
Win Chance: Legit upset candidate.
Post 7 — Statehouse Lady
ML Odds: 15–1 Jockey: Joseph Ramos Trainer: Michael Evans II Recent Finishes: 7th, 5th, 8th Running Style: Early speed
Analysis: A pure speed horse who will try to clear from the outside. She’s outclassed on paper but could influence the pace. If she gets loose (unlikely), she could hang on for a minor share.
Win Chance: Very low; pace factor only.
Post 8 — Cleveland Crown
ML Odds: 9–2 Jockey: Rafael Hernandez Trainer: Tim Hamm Recent Finishes: 1st, 2nd, 1st Running Style: Versatile — stalker/closer
Analysis: The “other Hamm” runner is a major threat. Hernandez is a strong finishing rider, and this mare’s tactical versatility is a huge asset. She owns the best last‑out speed figure in the field and has beaten several of today’s rivals.
Win Chance: Top‑tier contender; strong late kick.
PACE & RACE SHAPE ANALYSIS
- Early Speed: Statehouse Lady, Ohio Empress
- Pressers: Diana’s Pride, Queen of Cincinnati
- Stalkers: Buckeye Beauty, Cleveland Crown
- Closers: Lady Ohio, Belterra Queen
Projected Pace: Honest to fast Beneficiaries: Tactical stalkers and pressers — especially Diana’s Pride, Cleveland Crown, and Buckeye Beauty.
