How to bet the Bessarabian Stakes: Sheri Riddoch

This year’s rendition of the Grade 3 Bessarabian Stakes has attracted a very deep talented field, along with a few that have some questions to be answered. We are getting to that time of year where some campaigns are winding down, others are preparing for winter racing down south or perhaps winding down their racing careers. Regardless, how you look at it, here are a few ladies that may be worth taking a look at and use in your exotics.

Top Selection #2 Les Reys (FR) 4-1

Impressed when making her synthetic surface winning the G3 Ontario Fashion. I also don’t think we have seen the best of this 4yr old filly as horses tend to run better second time out over the surface. Worthy to note – her trainer Miguel Clement has a 28% win rate with last out graded stakes winner in 2025 ($2.52 ROI). Hernandez sticks with her, which is telling as he likely had choice in this large field of 14 (16 with AE’s) and landed here. Another positive for her is race dynamics, with the speed drawn to the far outside they will likely go early trying to establish position while she can sit a nice inside stalking trip. The extra furlong should work to her advantage – lots to like and her morning line is a nice price.

Wildcard #8 Pondering 15-1

Walsh trainee has taken on some tough company this season including ultra-talented 3yr old filly Shisospicy who was a dominant winner of the Breeder’s Cup turf sprint last weekend. Arrives here off a credible 3rd in the G2 Franklin at Keeneland but has never competed over the synthetic surface, and her lone try at the distance on the dirt was not good. She adds back Lasix and her sire Hard Spun has a success rate of 15% with his progeny sprinting on the synthetic (average win distance 5.9 furlongs). Declan Cannon comes in with her to ride, as he has in the past for this trainer, notching 2 wins from 4 starts in graded stakes competition since 2024. Look for her to be flying late assuming her turf form transfers over and could be a sleeper.

Longshots

#4 Tricky Temper 12-1

Ran a monster in the Presque Isle Masters finishing 3rd at a huge price, which was her first over the surface. Following the “should step forward second time out on the synthetic” theory, she has every right to be considered a win threat and has been working forwardly since her last effort. She also adds back Lasix and will sit a nice trip from that more inside draw with the way the race looks to unfold. Consistent form over her last three races and has a second and third at the distance – leave out at your own peril.

#3 Serene Seraph 10-1

Represents the second shipper from the Mott barn this season, who is probably still riding a wave of emotions taking the Breeders’ Cup Distaff with Scylla (after the disappointment of having to scratch Sovereignty from the classic). 4yr old filly by Blue Point won her lone synthetic start which was at this distance last August at Lingfield (GB) so should be fine on the surface. Interestingly, just missed at Kentucky Downs on the grass in her most recent and In Our time and Time to Dazzle reversed places in the G2 Franklin next out in which above mentioned Pondering was 3rd.

The $50 Play:

$20 win #2

$2 ex key 2/3,4,8, = $6

$1 tri key 2/3,4,8,12/3,4,8,12 =$12

$2 DD 2,4,8/3,8 = $12 (Used higher value Tricky Temper and left out Serene Seraph to keep in budget but would use if bankroll allows, took Dresden Row and Oscar Performance in the G3 Autumn)