Faypien likely to head field in Beverly Lewis Stakes

Faypien, second in the Grade 1 Test Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 5, will be a heavy favorite to win her third stakes in Saturday’s $75,000 Beverly Lewis Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos.

As of Wednesday morning, Faypien was the most accomplished filly among the probable starters for the Lewis, which is run at 6 1/2 furlongs. Trained by Bob Baffert, Faypien won the Grade 2 Summertime Oaks at Santa Anita on June 17 in her graded stakes debut. Faypien has been in training with Baffert’s stable at Los Alamitos.

The Lewis is expected to be the first start in more than three months for Queen Laila, who was fourth behind Faypien in the Angels Flight Stakes at Santa Anita in May. Queen Laila won an optional claimer for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita on June 4 in her most recent race.

Saturday’s program at Los Alamitos includes the $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes for statebred milers. Gold Rush Dancer, the winner of the Grade 3 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs on Aug. 13, is the most prominent runner in what racing officials projected will be a field of five.