De La Rose Stakes 2026 Analysis (7-17-26)

The De La Rose Stakes headlines the Friday, July 17 card at Saratoga as Race 9, featuring a $150,000 purse for fillies and mares that have not won a graded stakes race in 2025 or 2026. The field will travel one mile on the inner turf course with a scheduled post time of 5:45 p.m. ET.

Race Overview

Salty Senorita draws the rail and projects as the likely early leader after showing the way in two of her last three starts. Horses such as And One More Time, Long Ago, and Being Betty also possess early-pressing speed and should ensure an honest tempo.

That setup could favor runners capable of sitting just behind the leaders before producing a strong late kick.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Salty Senorita

Salty Senorita has shown early speed and nearly won the Lady Canterbury Stakes in her most recent start, finishing second by a neck. She projects as the main speed from the rail, but she’ll need to prove she belongs against a deeper and more accomplished field.

#2 Hang the Moon

A two-time Grade 2 winner in 2024, Hang the Moon enters this race after competing against tougher company in the Grade 1 Gamely. Since joining trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., she has won an optional claiming race, narrowly missed in the Sand Springs Stakes, and most recently missed third by a nose in the Grade 1 Gamely at Santa Anita.

The class relief is significant. She owns a sharp late kick, regularly finishing her races strongly, and should enjoy a ground-saving trip from post 2 under her new rider Irad Ortiz, Jr.

#3 And One More Time

The Grade 1 Natalma Stakes winner from 2024 continues to run competitive races against quality company. She captured the Plenty of Grace Stakes earlier this season before finishing a respectable fifth in the Grade 1 Just a Game after a wide trip.

She is 3-for-4 at one mile and has the tactical speed to secure favorable early position.

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