Sheer Drama and Curalina Clash in La Troienne

Sheer Drama is the 8/5 morning line favorite in the mile and one sixteenth event after making a successful return to the races with a win in the Grade 1 Madison stakes last out. The six year-old mare had been inactive since finishing fourth in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff last October and now gets some additional ground after sprinting seven furlongs in the Madison. The David Fawkes trainee has proven versatile, winning major races at multiple tracks from distances ranging seven furlongs to a mile and a quarter. Sheer Drama is clearly the one to beat as her natural speed and current form should give jockey Joe Bravo plenty of options.

Curalina back from the bench

Curalina (9/5) is a top-class filly making her seasonal debut. The Todd Pletcher trainee has not raced since finishing third in the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Distaff, but the trainer connects at an astounding 37% clip with runners returning from layoffs of at least 180 days. Curalina has won 4 of 8 starts, including the Grade 1 Acorn last year. The four year-old daughter of Curlin has trained well for her return, but will need to show up with her best race to threaten Sheer Drama for the top spot. 

Penwith tries to shake off last 

Penwith (7/2) is likely a notch below the top two and will try to make amends for her dull fourth-place effort in the Grade 2 Santa Margarita March 19 at Santa Anita. Prior to that effort, the Kiaran McLaughlin trainee delivered a career-best effort to win the Grade 2 Royal Delta Stakes at Gulfstream.