Competitive Field of Nine Set for $500,000 Diana Stakes

The slight favorite on the morning line in the wide open, competitive field is Alterite (FR) who will break from post eight under Javier Castellano. The French-bred daughter of Literato (FR) will be making her first start of the year for trainer Chad Brown. Last year, she won the Garden City (G1) and went on to finish third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf. She is a four-time winner and has been training forwardly at Saratoga.

 Emollient still trying for first win of the year

Second choice is Emollient, a four-year-old daughter of Empire Maker bred and owned by Juddmonte Farms, Inc. She has been tabbed at 7-2 on the morning line and will be ridden by Joel Rosario for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. A triple threat, the bay filly has won on turf, dirt and synethtics and was last seen finishing second by a nose in the Gamely Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita and is looking for her first win of the year.

 Strathnaver a live longshot for Motion

Also in the field is Strathnaver (GB), a five-year-old daughter of Oasis Dream (GB) who is listed as a longshot at 10-1. Trained by Graham Motion, she will have John Velazquez in the irons for the first time after a nose defeat in the Just a Game (G1) in June. She has five wins from eighteen starts and is looking for her first Grade 1 triumph.