A compelling group of fillies and mares is set to clash at Saratoga on Friday, June 6, 2025, in the Grade II Bed o’ Roses Stakes.
Topping the field is the formidable Ways and Means, who enters the race as the 6-5 morning-line favorite and looks to build on impressive performances against top-tier competition. The Chad Brown trainee has consistently posted high speed figures and appears primed for a peak effort.
The seven-furlong dirt sprint, carrying a purse of $300,000, has drawn a field of seven. Scylla, a Juddmonte homebred trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, is a significant challenger to the favorite.
Coming out of the same brutally tough Grade 1 race as Ways and Means, Scylla boasts a strong resume and could find the distance to her liking.
Another one to watch is the hard-knocking Irish Maxima, a prolific winner who is a perfect four-for-four at this seven-furlong trip and brings potent early speed from the rail.
The Field
1. Irish Maxima (6-1) A model of consistency, this filly has won 8 of her 11 career starts. She enters this race off a solid wire-to-wire victory in the Grade 3 Distaff at Aqueduct, proving she can handle a solid group.
Her biggest asset is her perfect record at seven furlongs, and her early speed from the inside post makes her a major threat to control the pace. The primary concern is whether she can handle this significant step up in class against proven Grade 1 performers.
2. Scylla (5-2) Trained by Bill Mott, this mare faced a monstrous group in the Grade 1 Derby City Distaff on the Kentucky Derby undercard, holding her own despite some trouble. While she is winless in three tries at this distance, the consensus is that seven furlongs might be her ideal trip.
She ran a good second in the Grade 1 Ballerina at Saratoga last summer, demonstrating a fondness for the track. Don’t be surprised if she’s ready for a top effort.
3. Ways and Means (6-5) The deserving favorite from the powerful Chad Brown stable. She exits a strong performance in a very tough Grade 1 at Churchill Downs, where she made a threatening move and finished a willing third.
She has registered three triple-digit Beyer speed figures in her last five starts, a feat none of her rivals can match. With proven tactical speed, a great record at Saratoga, and a sharp bullet workout leading up to the race, she is the horse to beat.
4. Jody’s Pride (9-2) She comes into this race off a game victory in the Grade 2 Ruffian at a one-mile distance. While that win was impressive, she has yet to record the triple-digit speed figure that is often required to win a race of this caliber.
She has demonstrated class, finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, but the jockey switch from Joel Rosario to Irad Ortiz Jr., with Rosario opting to ride Scylla, is a noteworthy development.
5. Justique (12-1) This mare began the year with two powerful victories at Fair Grounds and Oaklawn before finding the Grade 1 Madison at Keeneland a bit too tough. Her late-running style can leave her with a lot of ground to make up, which could be a disadvantage against this level of competition.
However, her connections are shipping her in from Kentucky, and she has been working well, suggesting they believe she has a shot to make an impact if the pace is fast.
6. Miss Justify (12-1) She seems to be improving, coming off a career-best performance in an optional claiming win at Aqueduct. That victory earned her a shot in these deeper waters. She ended last year with three wins, with her only loss coming in the Grade 1 Alabama at a distance that was likely too far for her.
While she needs to take another significant step forward to contend with the top choices, her recent form is encouraging.
7. St. Benedicts Prep (20-1) This veteran mare is a consistent performer who always gives a solid account of herself, frequently hitting the board in graded stakes. She has tactical speed and a good record at Saratoga.
That said, this is a tougher spot than she has faced recently, and at five years old with 24 races under her belt, it’s fair to question if she has the necessary improvement needed to defeat this field.
Win, Place, Show, Wildcard, and Longshot
Win: (3) Ways and Means (6-5) – She boasts the best speed figures, has tactical versatility, and comes from a high-percentage barn that has her primed for a big effort. She is a deserving favorite and the most likely winner.
Place: (2) Scylla (5-2) – She exits the same tough race as the favorite and has every right to improve. The seven-furlong distance could hit her right between the eyes, and she has already proven she can compete at Saratoga’s highest level.
Show: (1) Irish Maxima (6-1) – Her perfect record at the distance and her potent early speed from the rail make her dangerous. She will be on or near the lead, and if she can handle the class jump, she could be tough to reel in.
Wildcard: (4) Jody’s Pride (9-2) – She’s a Grade 2 winner who has consistently faced top horses. If the favorites don’t bring their ‘A’ game or if the pace scenario works in her favor, her class could allow her to steal the race.
Longshot: (5) Justique (12-1) – After two big wins to start the year, she is eligible to rebound from her last race. Her closing kick is potent, and if a speed duel develops up front, she will be the one rolling late at a nice price.
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