How to bet the 2026 Bewitch Stakes

The Friday feature at Keeneland is the $350,000 Bewitch (G3) for fillies and mares that will travel 1 1/2 miles on the lawn. I’ve long been a fan of the hard-trying #1 Way to Be Marie (8-1) and will key her in first and second in my wagers at a nice number. 

Bewitch Wagers

• $10 win and place #1 Way to be Marie ($20)
• $5 exacta key box 1 with 7,9 ($20)
• $2 trifecta box 1,7,9 ($12)

Purchased for $750,000 in January, the five-year-old by Not This Time made her seasonal debut at Fair Grounds in a first run for conditioner Eddie Kenneally and got up late to repeat in the Tom Benson Memorial S. at 1 1/16 miles, which is shorter than her preferred distance. The Kentucky-bred bay has yet to race at Keeneland or at the 12-furlong distance, but she proved capable of staying a route of ground with a fine runner-up showing in the Ladies Marathon (G3) at Kentucky Downs in the summer. The $853,000 earner will improve in her second run of the campaign with the added distance, and the rail should allow the top pick to save valuable ground around the turns with solid turf pilot Luis Saez in the silks. 

#7 Just Basking (9-2) has shown improvement since moving to marathon trips on the lawn, led by a nice score in the Very One (G3) at Gulfstream Park two prior. A closing fourth in the Orchid (G3) in her last effort, the Arrogate mare didn’t have a great trip in her latest venture and looks to be a major player in the field in her initial run on this surface. The price is fair for the Ian Wilkes pupil, with Javier Castellano retaining the ride. 

Grade 3 heroine #9 Speed Shopper (5-2) is the one to beat for conditioner Will Walden, who has sent out some live runners at the meeting. The Quality Road five-year-old took a while to come into her own, but has been going well in advance of the tilt and has blossomed since going long on the green. Purchased for $430,000 as a yearling, the bay has posted a pair of solid morning drills in preparation for her second run off the short absence and will be right there late with her top showing. The ageless John Velazquez taking the reins adds to her appeal, as well.