Here’s a full breakdown of the contenders, trends, and top picks for today’s Grade III race for fillies and mares. Who will rise to the occasion? Let’s find out!

🐎 Summary and Analysis of Each Horse:

1. Mahina (8-1)

• Jockey: Flavien Prat (11% wins, 22% top-three in 2024)

• Strengths: A proven closer with strong late speed figures. Excels on the turf and has multiple wins at Santa Anita.

• Weaknesses: Often sits too far back, relying on a fast pace upfront. Vulnerable if the race lacks early speed.

• Trends: Stepping up slightly in class after a solid fourth in a Grade 3. Consistent and ready to compete.

2. Yerwanthere (6-1)

• Jockey: Umberto Rispoli (20% wins, 33% top-three in 2024)

• Strengths: Impressive closing style with a knack for big finishes. Broke through in an allowance recently with a sharp turn of foot.

• Weaknesses: Struggles to win at this class level; 0-for-3 in graded stakes this year.

• Trends: Coming off a win and showing improvement. A dark horse contender if the pace collapses.

3. Mrs. Astor (9-2)

• Jockey: Frankie Dettori (18% wins, 31% top-three in 2024)

• Strengths: Consistent form in graded stakes, including a win in the Grade 3 Red Carpet. Shows tactical versatility and can adapt to race dynamics.

• Weaknesses: Questionable stamina at the distance; best races have come at slightly shorter trips.

• Trends: A Grade 3 winner in her last start, signaling she’s peaking at the right time.

4. Rashmi (4-1)

• Jockey: Joel Rosario (16% wins, 33% top-three in 2024)

• Strengths: Sharp form with back-to-back allowance wins. Loves to run upfront and dictate the pace.

• Weaknesses: Lightly raced at the graded stakes level and may face pace pressure.

• Trends: Improving with every start; her front-running style could be dangerous in this field.

5. Omaha Girl (15-1)

• Jockey: Tyler Baze (9% wins, 22% top-three in 2024)

• Strengths: Surprise winner in an optional claimer at Del Mar. Has the speed to sit close to the pace.

• Weaknesses: Inconsistent at this level. Her best figures fall short of the top contenders.

• Trends: A true longshot with an outside chance if she gets a clean trip.

6. Mouffy (7-2)

• Jockey: Victor Cheminaud (14% wins, 29% top-three in 2024)

• Strengths: Proven graded stakes performer, including a win in the Grade 2 Dance Smartly. Versatile runner with a strong late kick.

• Weaknesses: Needs a strong pace to showcase her closing ability. Has underperformed in Grade 1 company.

• Trends: Consistent in Grade 2 and Grade 3 races. A major threat if the pace is honest.

7. Hang the Moon (9-5)

• Jockey: Kazushi Kimura (22% wins, 36% top-three in 2024)

• Strengths: Dominated in the Rodeo Drive Stakes, showcasing a devastating late burst. Handles the distance well.

• Weaknesses: Disappointed in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, finishing last. Needs a rebound effort.

• Trends: The likely favorite. If she runs back to her Grade 2 win, she’s the one to beat.

🏆 Top Contenders:

1. Hang the Moon (9-5): A Grade 2 winner who has already beaten most of this field. Proven at the distance and level.

2. Mrs. Astor (9-2): Comes in off a Grade 3 victory and boasts strong tactical versatility.

3. Mouffy (7-2): A reliable closer with plenty of experience in this company.

🎯 Final Selections:

1. Primary Choice: Hang the Moon (9-5) – The class of the field, with multiple graded stakes wins. If she’s anywhere near her best, she’s the one to beat.

2. Secondary Choice: Mrs. Astor (9-2) – Tactical and consistent, she’s a logical contender to land in the top two.

3. Longshot Pick: Yerwanthere (6-1) – If the pace heats up, her sharp closing kick could lead to an upset.