Distaff sprinters do not get much exposure in the spotlight, but on Saturday at Keeneland that division will be center stage with the Lexus Raven Run Stakes. The Grade 2, seven-furlong affair for 3-year-old fillies attracted a well-matched field of nine that should provide some drama in the scramble to the finish line.

1. Lily Poo (20-1, morning-line odds): She was fifth in the Charles Town Oaks on a wet track last time out. Her best efforts are around two turns and this looms a tough task for her.

JOCKEY: Gerardo Corrales; TRAINER: Michael McCarthy

2. Simply Stated (10-1): Owns a four-race winning streak, but she has never raced in a graded stakes and has yet to race beyond six furlongs. Seems capable of being a contender on her best try.

JOCKEY: Luis Saez; TRAINER: Todd Beattie

3. Nom de Plume (20-1): Makes her debut on dirt after wins on an all-weather track and turf. Has a dirt pedigree and could spring a surprise in this field.

JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Paulo Lobo                                     

4. Vahva (3-1): Won the Charles Town Oaks last time and seems equally adept on wet and dry surfaces. Has a strong closing kick and should work out a good trip in this field.

JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Cherie DeVaux

5. Apple Picker (15-1): She won her last two dirt starts easily and has put in some sharp workouts for this start. Seems to be getting better and hails from a high win percentage trainer. Would say she’s capable of finishing in the money with the right trip.

JOCKEY: Sheldon Russell; TRAINER: Brittany Russell

6. Dazzling Blue (9-2): Was no match for Alva Starr when they met at Saratoga in the Grade 2 Prioress Stakes. Was a much better second in the Victory Ride Stakes before that and a repeat of that effort should make her a main player here.

JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Brad Cox

Alva Starr (Eclipse Sportswire)

7. Alva Starr (2-1): Morning-line favorite has won her last two starts very easily and should be the pacesetter. The key question is that she has never raced beyond six furlongs, raising concerns about how she will handle that final furlong with other speedsters on hand to make her run hard early.

JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Brett Brinkman

8. Lady Radler (5-1): Won the Grade 3 Dogwood Stakes at this distance at Churchill Downs but was sent off at 23.20-1 odds that day. That race was a big improvement off her previous tries and it may be hard to duplicate here.

JOCKEY: Jesus Castanon; TRAINER: Michael Campbell

9. Ancient Peace (10-1): Has some speed and has been running in graded stakes company but she has never raced at a distance shorter than a mile. If she can avoid a wide trip from the outside post, she might make her presence felt at the end.

JOCKEY: Ricardo Santana Jr.; TRAINER: Brian Lynch

THE PICK: Vahva

LIVE LONGSHOT: Simply Stated

SUPERFECTA: 4-7-2-6