Her connection with horses began with a riding lesson at age 3. Against doctor’s orders, Queen Elizabeth II was still getting on horses a few months before her death at 96 in 2022.
Her homebreds won dozens of stakes, taking each of the five English classics except the Epsom Derby. She earned 24 trophies at Royal Ascot, including the 2013 Gold Cup, which no reigning monarch had won in more than 200 years.
Her knowledge of breeding was encyclopedic and drew her to Kentucky, motherland of the thoroughbred. The Queen made five trips to the Bluegrass State, visiting stud farms and attending the races at Keeneland and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. To commemorate her 1984 visit, Keeneland created the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (G1), which will be run for the 42nd time Saturday.
“The Queen’s lifelong love for horses and her passion for racing left an indelible legacy for the sport around the world and at Keeneland,” Shannon Arvin, the track’s CEO and president, said.
This renewal of the QEII brings together a deep and talented field of nine 3-year-old fillies. For those who like to bet on racing, here is a horse-by-horse analysis from the rail out, with jockey, trainer and odds in parentheses:
She’s been first or second in her last six races and just missed last time in a Grade 1 at Del Mar. That field wasn’t nearly as tough as this one, however, and a 35-1 shot won it, so don’t overrate her performance. Deserves respect for two second-place finishes behind the outstanding Nitrogen.
Betting verdict: Use underneath
Stalker with strong late kick is a major threat to improve her career record to 6-for-6. Comes in off two-month break with three sharp 5-furlong works for Motion, who’s tough off layoffs. Inside post is an edge, and pace-conscious Carmouche should provide a ground-saving trip.
Betting verdict: The pick
England-based filly has lost seven consecutive stakes and is 0-for-5 in Group 1. Hasn’t fulfilled the potential she showed last year when second to eventual Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) champion Lake Victoria.
Betting verdict: Toss
Makes her Grade 1 debut after running first and third in Grade 3. Speed figures are weak, and she’s in over her head.
Betting verdict: Toss
Speedy Irish-bred is 0-for-4 this year but hasn’t missed by much. She’s 3-for-4 in the money and fell short of Laurelin by only a neck in April. Likely pacesetter has two serious negatives: three bad starts overall and ground loss late in three most recent runs.
Betting verdict: Use underneath
Strong closer was second behind top picks Laurelin and Fionn, so she looks like a live longshot for prolific Ortiz-Casse combo. Never worse than fourth (3-3-0 in eight starts). Her last race, a half-length second to Fionn after taking the lead late, was her best yet. Must improve, but not that far away from top two.
Betting verdict: Use underneath
Draw a line through her last, a bad-trip sixth at odds-on at quirky Kentucky Downs, which some horses can’t handle. Otherwise, she’s a head away from 4-for-4, and except for Fionn she’s the only one in the race with a victory at 9 furlongs.
Betting verdict: Win possibility
Not a serious threat in any of her last three, when she was defeated by a total of 9½ lengths. Seems up against it.
Betting verdict: Toss
Late runner’s 6-for-8 record (3-for-3 at 9 furlongs and beyond) is intimidating, and she can rally off a moderate pace. Speed figures aren’t anything special, but all she does is win, and she might end up as the favorite over undefeated Laurelin. Negative: Fractions aren’t likely to be quick, and post 9 is no bargain.
Betting verdict: Win contender
