Expert picks: Betting Gulfstream Park's Davona Dale Stakes

The fillies' companion event to Saturday's featured Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park, the Grade 2, $200,000 Davona Dale Stakes runs over a one-turn mile and serves as essentially a "win and you're in" race to the 2018 Kentucky Oaks, awarding 50 qualifying points to the winner.

Cathryn Sophia emerged from this race two years ago. Could we see another future Oaks winner this time?

Fly So High, the even-money morning line favorite, enters off two straight wins and will match up against Take Charge Paula, who won the Forward Gal last out. With post time set for 3 p.m., here's who our Horse Racing Nation contributors are picking:

Jeffrey Byrnes, Byrnzzze's Corner (@jeffbyrnes96)

Winner: #6 Take Charge Paula

On the board: #5 Miss Mo Mentum, #8 Fly So High

Longshot I like: #2 Sunny Skies

Analysis: Take Charge Paula is getting hot at the right time with three straight victories, all in impressive fashion. Even a barn switch last out didn’t affect her performance. Simply put, Take Charge Paula is the most talented hors in the field. Coming in off a sharp win in the Forward Gal, the daughter of Take Charge Indy posted a solid workout last week. New trainer Kiaran McLaughlin has been getting to know her, and they have quickly developed. Her last three wins have come from close to the pace, so a fast fractions could help her chances.

Candice Curtis (@skipaway2000)

Winner: #2 Sultry

On the Board: #3 Heavenhasmynikki, #4 Miss Mo Mentum

Longshot I Like: #3 Heavenhasmynikki

Analysis: Looks like there will be enough pace in here for Sultry to make a winning run after just missing at seven gurlongs last out. Heavenhasmynikki has a boisterous owner, which turns people off, but the filly is quality and will get a better trip just off the pace this time. Miss Mo Mentum should also benefit from the projected pace and hit the board.

Casey Laughter, The Tattooed Tracksider (@WritingCasey)

Winner: #5 Miss Mo Mentum

On The Board: #6 Take Charge Paula, #2 Sunny Skies

Longshot I Like: #8 Fly So High

Analysis: This race is insanely wide open to me, and I believe anyone has a chance. Miss Mo Mentum didn't perform well last time out, but I think she has the ability to rebound here. There are some horses in here that will burn each other out on the front end, which is why I am not going with Take Charge Paula. I think my top choice has the chance to sit just off the pace and strike. Sunny Skies improves with her return to dirt, and I believe Fly So High is in here because she deserves it. Shug McGaughey is patient with his horses, and if they are in a top stakes, it's because he believes they can win.

Averie Levanti, 31 Lengths

Winner: #4 Miss Mo Mentum

On the board: #8 Fly So High, #6 Take Charge Paula

Longshot I like: #1 Sultry

Analysis: I’m stubborn when it comes to beating the chalk, and I’m giving Miss Mo Mentum a chance to rebound off her dull Forward Gal performance to prove she’s as good as she showed in her Churchill allowance and Hut Hut victories.

Reinier Macatangay, Setting the Pace (@tracinglifemore)

Winner: #8 Fly So High

On the board: #1 Sultry, #6 Take Charge Paula

Longshot I like: #3 Heavenhasmynikki

Analysis: Fly So High has proven capable of winning on the front end despite a fast pace. In her local Jan. 4 start when the half went in 46 and change (for a one-mile race), she challenged the leader early and still powered home to win by over five lengths. If she repeats the effort or moves forward, it is over.

Christine Oser (@cb_oser)

Winner: #8 Fly So High

On the board: #6 Take Charge Paula, #7 Cache

Longshot I like: #5 Miss Mo Mentum

Analysis: Although Fly So High is trying stakes company for the first time, she's already won at a mile from both on and off the pace, including a win over the Gulfstream track. While we're still waiting to see how much distance Take Charge Paula wants to go, the question for Miss Mo Mentum in this race is if she shows up or not

Ashley Tamulonis, From Coast to Coast (@Florida_Filly)

Winner: #8 Fly So High

On the board: #6 Take Charge Paula, #7 Cache

Longshot I like: #4 Alter Moon

Analysis: Fly So High has been brilliant in her last two and is the deserving even-money morning line favorite. But Take Charge Paula is undefeated at Gulfstream Park, and Cache and Alter Moon like the track, too. By the numbers, though, this is Fly So High’s to lose.