Todd Pletcher is no stranger to preparing standout horses for the big stage, and his 4-year-old filly, Candied, is once again showing why she remains a pillar of consistency in his stable. Despite not accumulating a mountain of victories, Candied has consistently held her own in elite company and is expected to be a major contender in the upcoming $125,000 Allaire duPont Distaff Stakes at Pimlico.
With a field of eight older fillies and mares set to contest the 1 1/8-mile event, Candied’s record in high-stakes races sets her apart. She’s already faced stiff competition throughout her career, competing in numerous top-tier events. Her most recent outing saw her claim third in the Grade 3 Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland, which marked her return after a strong performance in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Her efforts at Saratoga last season also included two runner-up finishes in the Alabama and the Coaching Club American Oaks, proving she can match strides with the best in her division.
Pletcher believes Candied is due for a breakthrough, especially given her past performances where small missteps, such as delayed lead changes, may have cost her better outcomes. Now, he’s hoping this start will serve as a launching pad to recapture her winning form. With Irad Ortiz Jr. set to ride and drawing post three, Candied is poised for another top effort.
Another top trainer bringing firepower to the duPont is D. Wayne Lukas, who has a handful of runners stabled at Pimlico. One of them, Lemon Muffin, enters the fray with a renewed sense of momentum. After coming from far back to snatch a win on a sloppy Churchill Downs track earlier this month, she earned her first win of the year and showed signs of turning a corner. With experience on wet surfaces and a demonstrated late kick, Lukas is optimistic she’ll rise to the challenge against tougher opposition.
Miss Hebrides will be making her first start under trainer Ron Moquett. Recently acquired at auction, this filly has shown promising form with multiple top-three finishes this year. Moquett sees this race as a fitting debut under his guidance, with Luis Saez taking the reins from post two.
Brittany Russell will saddle Sea Dancer, who has had an active campaign with several respectable finishes, including a victory in the Nellie Morse Stakes. Despite a pair of fourth-place runs in her last two races, both coming in quick succession, her trainer believes she still has more to offer, especially with a more favorable setup.
Dazzling Move will look to bounce back after a tough trip in the Madison Stakes last month. She previously captured the Royal Delta Stakes at Gulfstream Park and will now try to replicate that success for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. while breaking from the rail with Jose Ortiz aboard.
Another entrant worth watching is Peignoir, who hasn’t raced since a commanding wire-to-wire win at Keeneland. Trainer Rodolphe Brisset is hopeful she can deliver another sharp performance off the layoff, with Flavien Prat returning in the saddle.
Also in the mix is Regaled, who narrowly missed keeping her perfect record intact in her last race at Laurel. With a prior win over a sloppy track and continued progression, she may be peaking at the right time for trainer Samuel Davis.
Rounding out the field is Sudden Switch, an unbeaten filly trained by Riley Mott. With just two starts under her belt, she’s won both impressively and could be the wildcard in this competitive lineup. Her speed and front-running style make her a dangerous proposition, especially if she gets loose on the lead.
As the 32nd edition of the Allaire duPont Distaff approaches, all eyes will be on these talented fillies and mares as they vie for black-type glory on Preakness weekend. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, the race promises to deliver a compelling showdown.
