Churchill Downs to Host Fleur de Lis Stakes This Saturday
Louisville, KY – The $500,000, Grade 2 Fleur de Lis Stakes, a prestigious 1 1/8-mile race at Churchill Downs, will take center stage this Saturday, June 24th. The race has been won by some of the greatest distaff performers in recent history, including Letruska, Midnight Bisou, and Rachel Alexandra.
This year’s edition has drawn a talented field of six fillies and mares, five of whom are graded stakes winners. Leading the charge is Scylla, a full sister to the recent Ohio Derby (G3) winner Batten Down. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, Scylla has won 4 of her 6 career starts, including the Shawnee Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Other contenders include the multiple graded stakes placed Free Like a Girl, trained by Chasey Deville Pomier, and the Grade 3 winner Shotgun Hottie, conditioned by Cherie DeVaux. Taxed, Occult, and Xigera round out the compact but formidable field.
“Scylla is my top selection here. She’s thrived at Churchill Downs, winning 3 of her 3 starts over the track. The Bill Mott trainee should relish the 1 1/8-mile distance, and her recent Shawnee Stakes victory was visually impressive.”
- Ashley Tamulonis, Racing Analyst
“I agree that Scylla is the horse to beat. She’s shown steady improvement and loves this track. Free Like a Girl and Xigera also appear well-suited for the conditions and distance, making them strong contenders in my eyes.”
- Laurie Ross, Racing Analyst
The Fleur de Lis is the eighth race on the 12-race card, with a scheduled post time of 4:25 pm EDT. Weather forecasts are calling for a 50-60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms, which could play a factor in the outcome.
With a talented field set to square off in the Fleur de Lis, horseplayers are in for an exciting edition of this historic Churchill Downs event. Be sure to tune in this Saturday for all the action!
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