Top older turf horses clash in the $500,000 Diana Stakes (G1), an opening-weekend feature at the legendary horse race betting meet at Saratoga, on Saturday, July 16. Covering a mile and an eighth on the grass, the race drew a field of six top-class turf mares aged four and up. Horses who win the Diana tend to be forces on the filly and mare turf scene through the rest of the year, all the way through the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf.
Trainer Chad Brown had a lock on this race, winning it every year from 2016 through 2020. However, Charlie Appleby broke that hold with Althiqa last year. Chad Brown trains four of the six runners in the 2022 edition of the Diana, but Appleby returns with Creative Flair, most recently seen winning the Balanchine (G2) over this distance on the grass in Dubai.
Who will win this year’s edition of the Diana? Keep reading to find out, and to find out the best places to bet the Diana Stakes online!
Diana Stakes Online Betting
The first step toward cashing your ticket on the Diana is to create your online betting account. You have many options for an online sportsbook, but our trusted online sportsbook reviews will help you make a confident and profitable decision easily. Our experts have done the research and can let you know which online sportsbooks are the real deal.
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Diana Stakes Field
This is the official field for the 2022 Diana Stakes including post positions, trainers, jockeys, and morning lines:
- Technical Analysis (Chad Brown/Jose Ortiz)
- Creative Flair (Charlie Appleby/Jamie Spencer)
- Bleecker Street (Chad Brown/Irad Ortiz, Jr.)
- Rougir (Chad Brown/Flavien Prat)
- Dalika (Al Stall, Jr./Ricardo Santana, Jr.)
- In Italian (Chad Brown/Joel Rosario)
As the race draws closer the track will issue a morning line, though you are not guaranteed those odds if you bet the race at the track. Your best bet in the Diana Stakes is to play the race at an online sportsbook. They will let you lock in odds the moment you bet, meaning you can watch the race confident that you have the best price on your pick in the race.
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bleecker Street | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Creative Flair | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Rougir | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Technical Analysis | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| In Italian | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Dalika | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Diana Stakes Handicapping
Now that you have looked at the options and made your account at the best online sportsbook for you, it is time to get to know the Diana Stakes field. Here are the top contenders in the Diana:
Diana Stakes Favorites
Bleecker Street is the likely favorite and the one to beat. Undefeated in seven starts, the Chad Brown trainee has passed every test so far. Though this may be a bit tougher Grade 1 than the New York she won last out, her consistent ability to fire, and the fact that she has won with both fast and slow paces in front of her, means she has the tools to extend her record to 8-for-8.
Creative Flair has not won since a Group 2 win at this distance in February, but she has won first off a layoff before and her trainer is excellent shipping runners to North America. Though she was defeated in two starts last year, both of them were longer and this race may be a better fit. Though she won’t make the top over American speed, she can win from a tracking trip as well and looks Bleecker Street’s toughest foe.
Rougir disappointed as the odds-on chalk in the New York (G1) last out, which is a concern since she faces Bleecker Street again. But, in a race where four of the six runners like to be on or near the lead, the Chad Brown trainee’s running style may get a boost. The turnback in distance may help as well, though she may be better suited by a bit more give in the ground than she gets this time.
Diana Stakes Exotic Chances
The most interesting horse for the exotics is the likely longest shot on the board, Dalika. She will likely sneak past bettors since she is trained by Al Stall, not Chad Brown or Charlie Appleby (like every single other horse in the race). Her speed figures mean she fits on her best, she has won her only start at this distance, and her tactical speed gives her a chance at a good trip.
Technical Analysis and In Italian, the other two from the Chad Brown barn, complete the field. They are the major speed horses, and should ensure a sharp pace. In Italian, though she fits on her best, may be a rabbit as her form isn’t quite as classy and she shares ownership with Rougir and Bleecker Street. Technical Analysis, under different ownership is the one she has to keep honest.
However, both have something to prove at this level. In this short field, it would not be a big surprise to see them get a minor award, but others have more appeal from a betting perspective and in a field this short you have to take your stands.
Free Diana Stakes Picks
These are your free expert picks for the 2022 Diana Stakes:
- $20 to win - #3 Bleecker Street
- $1 exacta key - #3 Bleecker Street with #2 Creative Flair, #5 Dalika
- $0.50 trifecta key - #3 Bleecker Street with #2 Creative Flair, #4 Rougir, #5 Dalika
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