Get ready for a thrilling showdown at Aqueduct Racetrack, where the upcoming Comely Stakes (G3) promises to be a battle of titans! Three graded stakes winners and a rising star in New York-bred stakes company are set to clash on December 7, and the excitement is palpable. With a $200,000 purse on the line and a 1 1/8-mile dirt track as their stage, these fillies are ready to prove their mettle. But here's where it gets controversial—can the favorites maintain their dominance, or will an underdog steal the spotlight? Let’s dive into the contenders and find out.
Leading the pack is Fully Subscribed, the likely favorite trained by the renowned Chad Brown. This 3-year-old daughter of Tiz the Law comes fresh off a commanding 4 1/2-length victory in the Mother Goose Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct. With a flawless record of finishing in the top three in all four starts, she’s a force to be reckoned with. But this is the part most people miss—her ability to handle the distance was questioned early on, yet she silenced doubters with her recent win. Ridden by Flavien Prat from post 6, she’s the one to beat. But is she invincible?
Next up is Kappa Kappa, a Grade 2 winner who took the Raven Run Stakes (G2) at Keeneland in October. Trained by Butch Reid Jr., this daughter of Omaha Beach has proven her speed but faces a critical test: can she handle the two-turn challenge? Reid believes she’s a natural at longer distances, but her only attempt at two turns ended in a 5 3/4-length second-place finish at Parx Racing. With John Velazquez in the saddle, she’s a wildcard. Will she rise to the occasion or falter under pressure?
Then there’s Quietside, the other graded stakes winner in the field. This homebred filly captured the Honeybee Stakes (G3) and Fantasy Stakes (G2) earlier this year but has struggled in her last two starts. Trained by John Ortiz, she’s no stranger to longer distances, boasting a 2-2-1 record from six starts at 1 1/16 miles or more. Starting from the outside post with Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard, she’s looking to rebound. Can she reclaim her winning form, or is her best behind her?
And let’s not forget Valtellina, an intriguing entry from Pavilion Racing. This New York-bred filly comes off a 2 1/4-length win in the Empire Distaff Stakes at Aqueduct, marking her third consecutive strong performance in state-bred stakes races. Trained by Ray Handal and ridden by Joel Rosario, she’s a dark horse with something to prove. Will she step up to the graded stakes level, or is she out of her depth?
But here’s the real question: Who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes race? Fully Subscribed seems unstoppable, but Kappa Kappa and Quietside are no pushovers. And Valtellina could be the surprise package. What do you think? Will the favorites hold their ground, or will an underdog take the crown? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
