2023 Beverly D. Stakes Preview & FREE Picks | Didia Brings Class, Consistency To Colonial Downs

Aaron previews the 2023 Beverly D. Stakes (G1) from Colonial Downs, then gives his top picks & long shots. A multiple Group 1 champion in her native Argentina, the ultra-consistent Didia is among the field of 7 female turf routers entered in this “Win & You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Is the Ignacio Correas trainee the most likely winner, or is Aaron picking an upset? Tell us YOUR thoughts in the Comments section!

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The press release:

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) is proud to bring three major graded turf course stakes races to the New Kent track for the first time, this Saturday, August 12 – the Grade 1 Arlington Million, the Grade 1 Beverly D Stakes and the Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes.

Combined purses for the three stakes races at the Colonial Downs Festival of Racing Presented by New Kent County are $2 million.

The initial Arlington Million took place in 1981 and was the first thoroughbred race to ever offer a purse of $1 million. The Million, which received Grade 1 status in 1983, was geared to attract European horses before their year-end championship events in fall. The race annually attracts the best turf runners in the world.

The first Beverly D Stakes was run in 1987 and is for fillies and mares, three years of age and up. The stakes reached Grade 1 status in 1991. The winner of the 2023 Beverly D Stakes automatically advances to the “Breeders’ Cup” Championships at Santa Anita this November. Seven Beverly D winners have gone on to be voted American Championship Female Turf Horse.

The Secretariat Stakes is named for the horse whom many consider to be the greatest of all time. Secretariat was born, raised, and trained at The Meadow Farm in Caroline County. “Big Red” was the 9th Triple Crown winner in 1973, sweeping the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont in record-setting times that still stand today.