Scalable Delivers Upset in Ladies Stakes at Aqueduct; Repole, Pletcher Double

Scalable, a 5-year-old Speightstown mare bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, shook up the betting ring and powered home to win the $135,000 Ladies Stakes at Aqueduct in 1:51.32. Ridden by Kendrick Carmouche for owner Repole Stable and trainer Todd A. Pletcher, Scalable overtook stubborn pacesetter Bernietakescharge late in the lane, drew clear and scored by 2 1/4 lengths while returning $12.50 on a $2 win ticket.

Carmouche laid out a tactical plan aimed squarely at the 2-5 mutuel favorite Weigh the Risks. "I wanted to be aggressive with her and keep her as close as I can to the favorite," Carmouche said. He described trying to secure the inside early, then tipping out as the turn opened: "I tried to get the inside; that's the best part of the track. Stay inside, stay inside, tip out. When I tipped out, she was ready to rock and roll. I know we canceled this race the last couple weeks, but I thought today was a perfect day to run where I could get the upper hand on the favorite. Thank you to Todd Pletcher and Repole."

The victory improved Scalable's record to 16 starts with five wins, two seconds and two thirds, and netted a winner's share of $74,250. Scalable carried 123 pounds and was a $200,000 purchase at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, a reminder of the tangible return on investment when pedigrees and placement align. Scalable is out of the Tapit mare Passion Flower, a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Stopchargingmaria, linking the mare to a high-value female family that already has produced more than $3 million in earnings for Repole and Pletcher.

The result not only provided a notable performance on the track but underscored the day-long dominance by Repole, Pletcher and Carmouche. Their operation also won the Listed $150,000 Toboggan earlier when Be You prevailed, marking the second stakes win of the day for the trio and their third victory through six races on the card.

The race itself carried additional context: the Ladies had been rescheduled three times because of frigid weather, and Aqueduct canceled live racing over the following weekend due to arctic temperatures while keeping simulcast operations open. Those disruptions highlight the operational challenges winter race meets face in the New York market and the financial importance of keeping bettors engaged through off-track channels.

From a business perspective, Scalable's victory boosts her on-track résumé and enhances broodmare value through a graded route win and a strong female family. For bettors and local racing fans, the result is a reminder that longshots can still command wagering attention in route races, and that elite stables like Repole-Pletcher remain potent even when favorites loom large. Next up, connections will evaluate spring targets that could further raise Scalable's profile and breeding worth.