Turfway Park (7500 Turfway Road, Florence, Kentucky) hosts the Queen Stakes on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This $125,000 Listed/Grade BT stakes race (includes $25,000 KTDF) is for fillies and mares 4-years-old and upward and is run at 6 furlongs on the All Weather (Tapeta) track as Race 8 on the 10-race night card. The scheduled post time is 9:25 PM ET.
Expected weather conditions in Florence call for a cool mid-March evening with highs in the mid-50s°F (around 54-57°F / 12-14°C) and lows near 41°F, light winds, and mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies with a low chance of precipitation (under 20-30%). No rain is forecast during racing hours, so the All Weather Tapeta surface should rate fast—favoring speed and tactical runners on Turfway’s synthetic oval, which plays consistently fair.
A full field of 12 fillies and mares lines up (base weight 120-124 lbs.; allowances for non-winners of a sweepstakes since December 2025). No scratches reported. Morning-line odds are official from the program.
Here is the full field with post positions, recent form notes (where available from program/entries), and in-depth analysis of each horse, jockey, and trainer:
Post Position 1: Dala (5/M, 120 lbs) – ML 10/1
Jockey: Alex Achard
Trainer: Eoin G. Harty
Pedigree: Hard Spun – Lucknow (by Medaglia d’Oro). Recent finishes: Competitive in recent Tapeta allowance/optional claiming sprints with solid local figures. Analysis: Harty knows the synthetic and has this mare sharp for the step up. Achard fits the rail perfectly for a pressing trip. Tactical speed from post 1 makes her a live longshot who could improve with a clean run on fast Tapeta; value underneath play.
Post Position 2: Civetta (4/F, 120 lbs) – ML 15/1
Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Sentiero Italia (by Medaglia d’Oro). Recent finishes: Improving allowance efforts on Tapeta. Analysis: Walsh spots her well and the barn is live at Turfway. De La Cruz rides aggressively. She has the pedigree for sprint speed and should appreciate the distance; at 15/1 she’s a mid-pack stalker with exotic value if the pace is hot.
Post Position 3: Sunna (4/F, 120 lbs) – ML 20/1
Jockey: Gabriel Saez
Trainer: J. Kent Sweezey
Pedigree: Dominus – Warm (by Flatter). Recent finishes: Consistent placer in sprint company. Analysis: Sweezey prepares sprinters effectively, and Saez knows Turfway well. Forward or pressing style suits the surface; longshot at 20/1 who could wire or sit close and offer big exotic payouts in a pace meltdown.
Post Position 4: Whippoorwill (4/F, 122 lbs) – ML 5/1
Jockey: Victor R. Carrasco
Trainer: Kelsey Danner
Pedigree: Midnight Lute – Croon (by Indian Charlie). Recent finishes: Sharp recent Tapeta wins/placings with improving figures. Analysis: Danner has her in peak form, and the extra weight is offset by class. Carrasco is a strong Turfway rider. Tactical versatility from a good post makes her a major contender who can stalk and pounce; logical exacta leg at 5/1.
Post Position 5: Zo Lee (5/M, 120 lbs) – ML 15/1
Jockey: Danny Sheehy
Trainer: Kelsey Danner (second entry)
Pedigree: Good Samaritan – Flipster (by Good and Tough). Recent finishes: Solid allowance form stretching to stakes. Analysis: Danner’s double gives her a strong hand. Sheehy fits the mid-pack style. Outside post is fine on Tapeta; at 15/1 she’s a live closer with upside if the pace collapses—strong trifecta filler.
Post Position 6: Ms. Tart (5/M, 124 lbs) – ML 4/1
Jockey: Adam Beschizza
Trainer: John Ennis
Pedigree: Maximus Mischief – Sheza Sweet Lemon (by Lemon Drop Kid). Recent finishes: Multiple local stakes/allowance wins; strong recent Tapeta figures. Analysis: Ennis has this mare rolling at Turfway, and the top weight reflects her class. Beschizza knows how to ride her patiently. Forward speed and durability make her dangerous to press or lead; co-favorite threat with local affinity.
Post Position 7: Lithe Spirit (5/M, 120 lbs) – ML 12/1
Jockey: Rafael Manuel Hernandez
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (Hall of Famer with multiple Turfway stakes wins)
Pedigree: Speightstown – Spooky Woods (by Ghostzapper). Recent finishes: Consistent graded-level placings with competitive figures. Analysis: Asmussen’s barn is always dangerous here, and Hernandez rides the meet well. Tactical speed from mid-pack suits the trip; at 12/1 she offers value as a proven performer who could improve off her latest effort.
Post Position 8: Bourbon Memory (4/F, 120 lbs) – ML 5/1
Jockey: Gerardo Corrales
Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh (second entry)
Pedigree: Bolt d’Oro – Take a Memo (by Empire Maker). Recent finishes: Sharp allowance victories on Tapeta. Analysis: Walsh’s second shooter brings momentum. Corrales is aggressive and fits the stalking style. Outside post is no issue; at 5/1 she’s a prime contender who could sit just off the pace and deliver a strong late kick.Post Position 9: Mega Mil (4/F, 120 lbs) – ML 9/2Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez
Trainer: John C. Servis
Pedigree: Honor A. P. – Elusive Jackpot (by Elusive Quality). Recent finishes: Strong recent sprint efforts with high figures. Analysis: Servis peaks horses for big days, and Rodriguez rides Turfway effectively. Forwardly placed or pressing style with pedigree for speed; co-second choice who could challenge early and hang on.
Post Position 10: Cynane (5/M, 120 lbs) – ML 7/2 (Slight Favorite)
Jockey: Luan Machado
Trainer: Brad H. Cox (elite stakes conditioner)
Pedigree: Omaha Beach – Burning Arch (by Arch). Recent finishes: Has already defeated several rivals in this field in recent Tapeta sprints; strong allowance/stakes placings. Analysis: Cox and Machado form a powerhouse combo. She brings the most impressive recent form against some of these foes and loves the synthetic. Tactical speed from a wide post is fine; the class horse and one to beat at 7/2.
Post Position 11: Shore War (5/M, 120 lbs) – ML 30/1
Jockey: Xarel Forde
Trainer: Amelia J. Green
Pedigree: Omaha Beach – Infraction (by Tapit). Recent finishes: Lower-level allowance efforts. Analysis: Green spots her for value. Forde can get the most from closers. Extreme outside post suits a deep closer on Tapeta; big longshot who could surprise in a hot pace at 30/1.
Post Position 12: Mom’s Cheesecake (4/F, 120 lbs) – ML 20/1
Jockey: Dylan Machado
Trainer: Lacy Pierce
Pedigree: Gormley – Uncle Steve’s Girl (by Eddington). Recent finishes: Improving in recent sprints. Analysis: Pierce has her peaking, and the outside post is ideal for a stalker/closer. At 20/1 she’s a live longshot who could outkick late if the pace melts.
Overall race preview and key angles: This Tapeta sprint features a deep, competitive field with strong local form. Cynane (PP 10, 7/2) is the slight favorite on recent wins over rivals and Cox connections, but Ms. Tart (PP 6, 4/1) and Mega Mil (PP 9, 9/2) bring proven speed and class. Expect an honest pace with early pressure from Ms. Tart/Mega Mil, setting up tactical types or closers like Bourbon Memory or Lithe Spirit. The synthetic plays fast, favoring horses with proven Tapeta affinity.
