Talented Fillies Hook Up in Grade 2 Eight Belles

The field of eight is led by 8/5 morning line favorite Carina Mia who will turn back in distance following her fourth-place effort in the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes. The Bill Mott trainee employs a front-running style and adds Lasix for the first time while also making her second start off a long layoff. Mott connects at an impressive 25% clip with runners making their second start following layoffs of 180 days or more, making Carina Mia a standout with regular rider Julien Leparoux remaining in the saddle after the defeat. Carina Mia already has a Grade 2 win at Churchill Downs and put in a notable bullet work April 25 over the surface.

Nickname finds cozy slot

Nickname (3/1) has finished second in all three starts this year, including a game effort last out where the Steven Asmussen trained filly was beaten three parts of a length by the well-regarded Lightstream in the Grade 3 Beaumont Stakes at Keeneland. Nickname will receive the services of leading pilot Javier Castellano and should be able to work out a comfortable stalking trip while breaking from the outside post.

Stageplay needs form reversal 

Stageplay (4/1) will try to recover from consecutive poor efforts after starting her career with 3 wins in 4 starts. The move back to one turn should suit Asmussen’s second entry, who hasn’t looked comfortable in three route races at Fair Grounds this year.