Well-Matched Fillies Square Off in Mint Julep

Category :: News

It might be difficult for handicappers to look away from Belmont stakes action June 6, but the Grade 3, $100,000 Mint Julep Handicap at Churchill Downs features a salty group of 12 fillies set to contest the 1 1/16 race on the grass.

Multiple grade 3 winner I’m Already Sexy (7/2) will break from post three as the morning line favorite for trainer Wayne Catalano. In her last start, the five year-old daughter of Ready’s Image returned from nearly three months of inactivity with a flat effort in the Grade 2 Distaff Turf at Churchill, finishing eighth of thirteen. I’m Already Sexy, a winner of 8 races in 21 starts for earnings of $554,900, is on her best when racing on or near the lead, and figures to be forwardly-placed.

Nanny ready for stakes foes

Canny Nanny (4/1) will break just outside the favorite from post four and enters the Mint Julep in sharp form having defeated optional claimers May 9 at Churchill. That effort followed a fine second-place finish against allowance foes at Keeneland after a 362 day layoff. The Mark Casse trainee will be making her stakes debut and should offer fair betting value.

Kitty Wine capable

Kitty Wine has shown enough ability to handle her Mint Julep foes, and could be the upset special at 12/1 morning line odds. Trained by Eddie Keneally, Kitty Wine has competed in back to back grade 2 events, finishing fifth in the Honey Fox at Gulfstream March 28. Her 92 Beyer Speed Figure in that effort fits nicely against the field.