Expert Pick of the Week: 2025 Monomoy Girl Stakes

Jun 13, 2025 John Mucciolo/TwinSpires.com

Immersive's win during Breeders' Cup. (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

A handful of sophomore fillies will try to take down unbeaten champion Immersive in Saturday’s $175,000 Monomoy Girl S. at Churchill Downs. The 1 1/16-mile affair on the main surface marks the first run of the season for the daughter of Nyquist after she compiled a sterling four-for-four mark as a juvenile.

Trained by Brad Cox, the Godolphin homebred was a sharp winner on debut at Saratoga and then reeled off victories in the Spinaway S. (G1) at The Spa, the Ashland S. (G1) and Keeneland, and ultimately the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Del Mar to conclude her spotless 2024 campaign.

Immersive has displayed both the tactical speed to stay close in the early portion of her races, as well as the strong closing kick to put her foes away late, and the bay has posted six well-spaced morning drills as of late to be ready for this affair. Regular pilot Manny Franco will guide the filly in her local debut.

Throwback Thursday to Immersive winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies! 🏆

She returns to the races in Saturday's Monomoy Girl Overnight S. at Churchill Downs! 🤩 @bradcoxracing @godolphin @jockeyfranco pic.twitter.com/0L1muOYP3l

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) June 12, 2025

Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) runner-up Anna’s Promise looks like the main danger to the likely heavy favorite for conditioner Carlos David. Bred in the Bluegrass State, the three-year-old daughter of Promises Fulfilled was claimed for $50,000 four starts back and has been pretty good since changing barns. The chestnut was close to a rapid pace in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) before tiring late and finishing a commendable fifth under the wire, and the miss will go better in this spot while facing a more reasonable assignment. Luis Saez will take the reins and have the filly close in the early going of the contest.

Martha Washington S, victress Take Charge Milady, who was second in the Ashland S. (G1) two races prior, never fired in the Oaks but looks like a logical top-three threat on this occasion. The Kenny McPeek pupil is capable of big things on her best day, and the Kentucky-bred filly figures to get a fine trip after drawing on the outside in this spot, as well. Brian Hernandez, Jr., will pilot the dark bay sophomore.

Expert Pick

A trifecta with #2 Immersive on top of #3 Anna’s Promise and #6 Take Charge Milady in the 2025 Monomoy Girl Stakes is the Best Bet of the Week.