The upcoming Grade 3 Long Island Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack promises an exciting showdown among some of the top turf fillies and mares in the sport. With a talented field vying for the 11-furlong inner turf test, the race is sure to captivate racing enthusiasts and provide a thrilling conclusion to the fall meet.

Elevating the Turf Distaff Division

The Long Island Stakes is a prestigious event that has long been a fixture on the New York racing calendar, drawing the attention of horsemen and fans alike. This year's edition promises to be a particularly compelling affair, with a diverse array of contenders bringing their unique strengths and strategies to the table.

La Mehana Seeks to Defend Her Crown

Trainer Christophe Clement's charge, La Mehana, will be looking to build on her impressive victory in the Waya Stakes (G3) last time out. The 5-year-old Al Wukair mare demonstrated her closing prowess, rallying from the back of the pack to prevail by a neck over the hard-trying Immensitude. With Kendrick Carmouche back in the saddle, La Mehana will be aiming to secure her second consecutive graded stakes triumph on the Aqueduct turf.Clement's assistant, Christophe Lorieul, has been pleased with La Mehana's recent form, noting that the filly's ability to overcome early trouble and deliver a powerful late kick has been a key factor in her success. "She had a couple unlucky starts stumbling out of the gate, but she seems to be on the right track now," Lorieul said, expressing confidence in the mare's chances of repeating her Waya heroics.

Avenue Niel Seeks to Capitalize on Waya Experience

Stablemate Avenue Niel, also trained by Clement, will be looking to build on her solid fourth-place finish in the Waya. The Irish-bred Helmet mare has shown a consistent level of performance, with a victory in a 12-furlong optional claimer at Kentucky Downs preceding her graded stakes debut. Lorieul believes that a bit of give in the ground could work to Avenue Niel's advantage, as the filly has demonstrated her affinity for a softer turf surface.

No Show Sammy Jo Brings Winning Momentum

Trainer Graham Motion will saddle the in-form No Show Sammy Jo, who has reeled off four consecutive victories, including a triumph in the All Along Stakes at Laurel Park last time out. The 4-year-old Lope de Vega filly has proven herself adept at a variety of distances, and the step up to 11 furlongs for the Long Island could play to her strengths.Motion will also send out the Group 3 winner Blush, who made a solid North American debut when finishing fourth in the E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) at Woodbine. The Kingman filly, previously trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias, will be looking to showcase her class and versatility on the Aqueduct turf.

Depth and Diversity in the Long Island Field

The Long Island Stakes field is further bolstered by the presence of several other intriguing contenders. Whatlovelookslike, trained by Todd Pletcher, will be seeking to bounce back from a fifth-place finish in the Ticonderoga Stakes. Dancing Dean, a recent allowance winner for Bill Mott, will be making his graded stakes debut, while Lady Firefoot and Broadway Boogie bring winning momentum from their most recent outings.The depth and diversity of the Long Island field promise an enthralling contest, with each horse bringing a unique set of strengths and strategies to the table. The race is sure to captivate racing enthusiasts and provide a fitting conclusion to the Aqueduct fall meet.