Diana fair odds: Early speed is Best bet for upset at Saratoga

Regardless of what handicapping information you use, Be Your Best looks like lone speed in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes on Saturday at Saratoga.

What makes Be Your Best especially dangerous, though, even against the likes of older female turf division leader She Feels Pretty, is that her early foot is quick enough to create separation between her and pressing types. For any other filly or mare to keep Be Your Best company up front, she will have to race out of her comfort zone. Be Your Best won't have to do that.

That is not to say She Feels Pretty is not the most likely winner. I just worry about any value considering my fair odds of 6-5. And the Cherie DeVaux trainee is sure to take money in pursuit of her fifth consecutive graded-stakes win, with the last three of those coming at odds-on. 

Three of the top seven finishers from the Just a Game Stakes (G1), including the winning Chad Brown-trained exacta of Dynamic Pricing and Excellent Truth, return here. I will be keen to see whether Brown has either lying a bit closer to the pace than last time. Choisya was seventh in the Just a Game after being farther back than usual against a fast pace, which gives me pause than she can keep up with Be Your Best early.

Lady Claypool is the final entrant. She chased Be Your Best home in the Gamely (G1) last out and could only get within 2 3/4 lengths despite closing into what Brisnet rated a very fast pace. I will look to bet Be Your Best to win and in a cold exacta with She Feels Pretty.