Chad Brown Seeks Ninth Victory in Diana Stakes

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Trainer Chad Brown aims to capture his ninth victory in the Grade 1, $500,000 Diana Stakes at Saratoga this Saturday. The 1 1/8-mile race on turf features a field of 10 female runners, including five from Brown’s barn. 

With an impressive record, Brown has won seven of the last eight editions of the Diana, securing all eight of his victories since 2011. Notable past winners from his stable include Lady Eli, Sistercharlie, Rushing Fall, In Italian, and last year’s winner, Whitebeam.

Field Analysis

Whitebeam, owned by Juddmonte, is back to defend her title in the Diana Stakes, this time with less attractive horse racing odds. A repeat win would make her the third horse to win the race twice and give Juddmonte its fourth win in this Grade 1 event.

The race is carded as Race 10 of 12 with a post time of 5:43 p.m. EDT.

Top Contenders

Moira: Trained by Kevin Attard and ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Moira has earned $1,413,999 with five wins in 13 starts. She has consistently hit the board and finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf last year. 

Coppice: A Chad Brown trainee, Coppice has four wins in 10 starts, with her first eight races in England. Despite a second-place finish in the Distaff Turf Mile, her sixth-place run in the Just A Game makes her a toss.

Mission of Joy: With Graham Motion as her trainer and John Velazquez as jockey, Mission of Joy has been competitive, finishing third in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup and the Just A Game.

Didia: This 6-year-old, trained by Ignacio Correas IV and ridden by Jose Ortiz, leads the field with 11 wins and over $1.5 million in earnings. She’s a strong win contender, having won the “Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf” and the New York Stakes.

Gina Romantica: Another Chad Brown entry, Gina Romantica has five wins in 13 starts. Although she has a Grade 1 win, her recent form could be better. 

Whitebeam: Last year’s Diana winner, trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Flavien Prat, is looking to defend her title. Despite not winning, her consistent performances make her a win contender.

Fluffy Socks: With six wins in 26 starts, Fluffy Socks, trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Joel Rosario, won the Galorette by almost eight lengths. 

Neecie Marie: Trained by Robert Reid Jr. and ridden by Luis Saez, Neecie Marie won the Beaugay and finished second in the New York.

Evvie Jets: with seven wins in 25 starts, trained by Mertkan Kantarmaci and ridden by Dylan Davis, faded to fourth in the Just A Game.

Chili Flag: Chad Brown’s top contender, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., comes off three consecutive graded stakes victories, including the Just A Game. Top choice.

Venti Valentine: Entered for the main track only.

Betting Insights

For those interested in offtrack betting, with five entries from Chad Brown, the likelihood of him securing another win is high. Chili Flag, in particular, stands out with her recent form, making her a top solid choice.

The Diana Stakes is a crucial part of the horse racing schedule at Saratoga, positioned as Race 10 of a 12-race card with a 5:43 p.m. EDT post time. Saturday’s program also features significant races like the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational and the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap.