Expert Pick of the Week: 2024 Lake Placid Stakes

Aug 15, 2024 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

A big field of 14 three-year-old fillies, with a trio of those entered for the main track only, will vie in Saturday’s $200,000 Lake Placid S. (G2) at Saratoga. The 1 1/16-mile affair on the inner lawn has attracted a fantastic group of prospects in what promises to be a thrilling event.

The race will go through Grade 1 heroine She Feels Pretty, conditioned by Cherie DeVaux. By Karakontie, the sophomore had a good juvenile season with two wins from three tries, including a smart tally in the Natalma S. (G1) at Woodbine. Her lone setback was a close third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) at Santa Anita.

She Feels Pretty has picked up where she left off this campaign with a dominant tally in the Hilltop S. at Pimlico in her seasonal debut prior to checking in third in the recent Belmont Oaks (G1) at Aqueduct.

The $240,000 yearling cuts back from 1 3/16 miles on Saturday, which should be a good thing, and her tactical speed will play a big factor in a contest that should lack an abundance of pace. John Velazquez will pilot the talented chestnut and have her tracking from the second or third flight early prior to taking command in the stretch.

Mickey was happy to welcome his girl, She Feels Pretty, back from her impressive victory in the Hilltop at Pimlico. She was of course just as happy to see him pic.twitter.com/YOaTO8tqkC

— Cherie DeVaux (@reredevaux) May 19, 2024

A pair of intriguing European imports will go postward, including Godolphin homebred Beautiful Love.

Trained by Charlie Appleby, the Siyouni three-year-old flashed good potential as a juvenile and also ran a pair of nice races in Dubai over the winter, with her latest, a win by six lengths, being one of her best efforts to date. The Irish-bred filly has displayed a measure of early interest on numerous occasions, and from the outside draw, I expect Manny Franco to get her involved from the opening bell.

French invader Les Reys comes in with tallies in two straight leading up to her U.S. debut and first for trainer Christophe Clement. The West Point color-bearer really took to the Longchamp lawn this season and has the benefit of getting in a pair of morning drills on turf. Joel Rosario has the call atop the bay, who will be doing her best work from off the pace.

Expert Pick

An exacta with #7 She Feels Pretty on top of #11 Beautiful Love and #6 Les Reys in the 2024 Lake Placid Stakes is the Best Bet of the Week.