Horse Racing Odds: Distaff Stakes 2025

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Distaff Stakes 2025: Irish Maxima Eyes Sixth Win in Seven Starts

As the spotlight continues to shine on Kentucky Derby Prep Races and fans follow the horse racing odds ahead of the first Saturday in May, bettors will also find exciting action this Saturday at Aqueduct in the Grade 3 Distaff Stakes. 

While the Derby trail heats up, this 7-furlong dirt sprint for older fillies and mares offers a valuable wagering opportunity for fans of Kentucky Derby betting and sharp eyes looking at top female sprinters.

Irish Maxima in Prime Form

Irish Maxima is leading the field of seven, fresh off a dominant gate-to-wire victory in the Grade 3 Barbara Fritchie Stakes. Trained by John C. Servis and ridden by Frankie Pennington, the 4-year-old filly has now won five of her last six starts. Her only recent loss came when she finished second in the Cheryl S. White Memorial Stakes following a nine-month layoff.

The daughter of Maximus Mischief has matured significantly during that time off, both physically and mentally. She’s now showing tactical versatility—able to lead or stalk—and her consistency gives her the edge in a competitive group. Bred in Kentucky by Pilla Property Services, Irish Maxima has a career record of 7 wins and one second from 10 starts.

St. Benedict’s Prep Seeks Breakthrough

Linda Rice sends St. Benedicts Prep, a 5-year-old mare looking for her first graded stakes win. After capturing an allowance optional claimer at Aqueduct, she has placed in four consecutive stakes, including a near-miss in the Correction Stakes where just a nose beat her. She’s been a model of consistency and now makes her first graded stakes start.

Rice strategically placed her in spots to earn black type, and after a brief freshening, she was ready to jump to Grade 3 company. Jose Lezcano will ride the Flatter mare, who seems overdue for a breakthrough performance.

Socially Selective Returns for Mott

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott will saddle Socially Selective, who draws Joel Rosario to ride. The 4-year-old filly by Into Mischief showed promise in allowance company last year and now steps up looking to add graded credentials to her resume. Her tactical speed and pairing with Rosario make her one to watch as she takes on more challenging competition.

Ocean Gateway Represents Clement

Christophe Clement sends out Ocean Gateway with Dylan Davis in the saddle. This daughter of American Pharoah has raced well at Aqueduct before and should be well suited to the 7-furlong distance. She may offer value in exotics with graded-level experience and solid recent workouts.

Sea Dancer and All Class Add Depth

Trainer Brittany Russell ships in Sea Dancer, a filly who has held her own in competitive allowance fields. Manuel Franco gets the call aboard the daughter of Curlin, who could benefit from a fast-paced setup. Linda Rice’s second All Class runner enters with Eric Cancel aboard. Though she’s yet to win at this level, she has strong local form and could surprise with the right trip.

Royal Spa Makes First Start of 2025

With Alex Achard riding, Rodolphe Brisset’s Royal Spa rounds out the field. She hasn’t started since 2024 but showed flashes of talent in her previous campaign. A solid effort off the layoff could put her in the mix, especially if she’s fit and ready.

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