Always a Runner Aims for Second Grade 1 Victory in Cotillion Stakes 2026
Witness the Clash of Champions: Always a Runner's Quest for Glory!
Always a Runner: The Quest for Another Grade 1
Always a Runner, the formidable champion of the 2026 Kentucky Oaks, is poised to capture her second Grade 1 title of the season. Her performance in the upcoming Cotillion Stakes at Parx is crucial, as it could cement her position as a leading contender for the champion three-year-old filly.
A Stellar Field Assembles for the Cotillion Stakes
The Cotillion Stakes has attracted a strong field of nine exceptional fillies, each vying for the coveted $1 million prize. Among the notable challengers are Measure, known for her consistent Grade 1 placings; My Miss Mo, a dual Grade 2 and Grade 3 winner; Grade 1 victor Iron Orchard; and the talented Grade 2 winner, Zany. This competitive lineup promises an exhilarating race.
Always a Runner's Path to the Cotillion
Following her impressive wins in the Gazelle (G3) and the Kentucky Oaks, Always a Runner secured two consecutive second-place finishes behind Counting Stars in Grade 1 stakes at Saratoga. Starting from post 4 with odds of 8-5, the Chad Brown-trained filly, sired by Gun Runner, will have José Ortiz in the saddle for the 1 1/16-mile Cotillion. Her career record boasts three wins and two second-place finishes from five starts, accumulating over $1.1 million in earnings for owners Douglas Scharbauer and Three Chimneys Farm.
Measure: A Formidable Contender
Measure enters the Cotillion on the heels of impressive Grade 1 performances at Saratoga, including a third-place finish behind Counting Stars and Always a Runner in the Coaching Club American Oaks and a second-place finish to My Gun's Loaded in the Alabama. Trained by Mark Casse for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, and Gary Barber, Measure will be ridden by Manny Franco and is listed as the 4-1 second favorite.
Zany's Determination to Succeed
Zany, with John Velazquez aboard, is the 9-2 third choice. She previously placed second in the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland in April and recently finished fourth in the Coaching Club American Oaks. The Todd Pletcher-trained daughter of American Pharoah, owned by Repole Stable, has a strong record of three wins from six starts and earnings exceeding $414,000.
My Miss Mo: Riding a Wave of Victories
My Miss Mo brings a two-race winning streak into the Cotillion. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. for Averill Racing, Mathis Stable, and Tristan De Meric, this daughter of Uncle Mo clinched the Black-Eyed Susan in May at Laurel Park and the Monmouth Oaks in late July. Tyler Gaffalione will be her jockey, with current odds at 5-1.
Tap to Open: The Bonus Contender
Tap to Open, co-fourth choice at 8-1 alongside Bodacious Bay, presents an exciting bonus opportunity. If she wins the Cotillion, her owners, Whisper Hill Farm, and trainer, Brad Cox, could receive an additional $50,000 bonus, having already secured victory in the Cathryn Sophia.
Race Day Details for the Cotillion Stakes
The Cotillion Stakes, scheduled as the 13th event on Saturday's 15-race Pennsylvania Derby Day card, is set to commence at 4:58 p.m. EDT. This premier race promises an unforgettable display of equine athleticism and strategic riding.