Kentucky Oaks Top 10 | Horse Racing Free Tips

The TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 For Feb. 16

All eyes last week were on the Suncoast S. at Tampa Bay Downs, where 38-1 shot Dreaming of Snow (Jess's Dream) scored a huge upset over 2-year-old filly champion Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief) and the highly regarded Julia Shining (Curlin). That wasn't enough for Dreaming of Snow to make this week's Top 10 for the GI Kentucky Oaks, but it was certainly a herculean effort to defeat two such highly regarded horses.

The spotlight this week will be on the Fair Grounds, where the mega-talented Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief) will make her 3-year-old debut in Saturday's GII Rachel Alexandra S. presented by Fasig-Tipton. The Rachel Alexandra field also includes Chop Chop (City of Light), the beaten favorite in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and runner-up in the Silverbulletday S., and Untapable S. winner 'TDN Rising Star' Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief).

GIII Santa Ynez S. winner Ice Dancing (Frosted) comes off the list as trainer Richard Mandella reports that she had to have a chip removed and will miss the Oaks. Munny's Gold (Munnings) has also been dropped from the list as it appears that her immediate future will include races in sprints.

1) HOOSIER PHILLY (f, Into Mischief–Tapella, by Tapit) O-Gold Standard Racing Stable, LLC. B-Candy Meadows, LLC (Ky). T-Thomas Amoss. Sales history: $510,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-3-0-0, $432,610. Last Start: Won GII Golden Rod S. at Churchill Downs Nov. 26. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S., FG, Feb. 18

With previous No. 1 Wonder Wheel going down to defeat in the Suncoast S., Hoosier Philly takes over the top spot for trainer Tom Amoss. Her start in the Rachel Alexandra has been widely anticipated since she concluded her 2-year-old campaign and Amoss professed that she was not just the best filly, but the best horse he has ever trained. That's high praise from someone who won the 2019 GI Kentucky Oaks with Serengeti Empress (Alternation). So far as Saturday's race goes, Amoss had this to say: “We have a lot of expectations for her based on what she's done so far, so there's a lot of anticipation about how she's going to come back at three,” he said. “Her morning preparation has been just as it was when she was two, so that gives us some feeling of confidence going into the race. But still, it is just her first race at three.” The bettors are on board. Though Amoss has only hinted at a possible start in the GI Kentucky Derby for his star, Hoosier Philly closed at 11-1 in the latest round of the Derby Future Wager. Only the “all others” selection and Forte (Violence) closed at lower odds. Is the hype justified? We'll know more after the Rachel Alexandra.

2) WONDER WHEEL (f, Into Mischief–Wonder Gal, by Tiz Wonderful) O-D. J. Stable LLC. B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC & Clearsky Farm (Ky). T-Mark Casse. Sales history: $275,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MGISW, 5-4-1-0, $1,550,725. Last Start: 2nd Suncoast S. at Tampa Bay Downs Feb. 11. Kentucky Oaks Points: 48. Next Start: To Be Determined

There are a couple of ways of looking at Wonder Wheel's loss in the Suncoast S. at Tampa Bay Downs. It was her first start of the year and the connections said she got tired in the stretch. With much larger goals out there, it was not a race she had to win and she will certainly run better next time. “[Jockey] Tyler [Gaffalione] said she just got a little tired at the end,” trainer Mark Casse told the Daily Racing Form after the race. “I'm not at all unhappy. In fact, it kind of reminded me of her Spinaway effort.” Wonder Wheel was second in last year's GI Spinaway S., her only defeat as a 2-year-old. Then again…shouldn't a horse of her caliber have been able to get by a horse with modest credentials in Dreaming of Snow? She had the entire length of the stretch to pass her and just couldn't do it. Dreaming of Snow was 38-1 for a reason–her form coming into the race was nothing to brag about. All of which makes Wonder Wheel's next start very important. With anything less than an A effort, she will fall from the ranks of the top contenders for the Kentucky Oaks. The jury is out.

3) FAIZA (f, Girvin–Sweet Pistol, by Smart Strike) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Michael L Petersen. B-Brereton C. Jones (Ky). T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $90,000 yrl '21 KEESEP; $725,000 2yo '22 FTMMAY. Lifetime Record: GISW, 2-2-0-0, $222,000. Last Start: Won the GI Starlet S. at Los Alamitos on Dec. 10. Kentucky Oaks Points: 0. Next Start: To Be Determined

So far, 'TDN Rising Star' Faiza has yet to run a big number, as the 77 Beyer she got when winning the GIII Las Virgenes S. in her most recent outing is her best to date. Other than that, she's hard to knock. After breaking her maiden in November at Del Mar, she came back to win the GI Starlet S. at Los Alamitos and then ground out a half-length win in the Las Virgenes. She's had one work since, covering three furlongs in 37.80 on Feb. 11 at Santa Anita. Like the Bob Baffert-trained 3-year-old colts, she might have to be moved into another barn so that she can be eligible to run in the Oaks. As of now, Baffert is banned from starting horses at Churchill Downs. By Girvin, Faiza cost $725,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Girvin, who got off to a fast start last year at stud, began his stallion career in Florida but now stands in Kentucky at Airdrie Stud.

4) LEAVE NO TRACE (f, Outwork–Tanquerray, by Good Journey) O-WellSpring Stables. B-Red Cloak Farm, LLC (Ky). T-Philip Serpe. Sales history: $8,000 yrl '21 FTFFEB; $40,000 yrl '21 FTMOCT. Lifetime Record: GISW, 4-2-1-1, $598,650. Last Start: 2nd in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland Nov. 4. Kentucky Oaks Points: 15. Next Start: GII Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 4

She may not have always won but at two this blue-collar filly was one who always showed up. A $40,000 purchase at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Fall Yearling Sale, the daughter of Outwork won the GI Spinaway S. and then was third in the GI Frizette S. and second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Having finished behind Wonder Wheel in the Breeders' Cup and Chocolate Gelato (Practical Joke) in the Frizette, Leave No Trace may need to improve as a 3-year-old in order to win a race like the Oaks. Trainer Phil Serpe has taken to preparing her for her 3-year-old debut in the GII Davona Dale S. by working her on the Tapeta surface at Gulfstream, where she has worked five furlongs in :59.25 and four furlongs in :48.85. Leave No Trace is owned by Dr. Robert Vukovich and his wife Laura, who have a farm in Colts Neck, New Jersey.

5) RED CARPET READY (f, Oscar Performance-Wild Silk, by Street Sense) O-Ashbrook Farm and Upland Flats Racing; B-Lynn B. Schiff; T-Rusty Arnold. Sales history: $180,000 ylr '21 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-3-0-0, $265,470. Last Start: Won the GIII Forward Gal S. at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 4. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: To Be Determined

Joins the Top 10 after a win in the GIII Forward Gal S. at Gulfstream at seven furlongs. She's 3-for-3 and obviously has a lot of ability, having also won the Fern Creek S. after breaking her maiden by 10 lengths. But she must prove she can go a distance. Trainer Rusty Arnold thinks that she can and is pointing for the one-mile GII Davona Dale S. “She's not a rank filly that just tries to run off, so I'm pretty optimistic she will stretch out,” Arnold said. That she has been winning while sprinting on the dirt goes against logic when it comes to her pedigree. She is by Oscar Performance (Kitten's Joy), which should mean that her best fit is distance races on the turf. That might be her future, but, for now, she looks like a talented filly who could be very dangerous if making the adjustment to longer, two-turn races.

6) JULIA SHINING (f, Curlin–Dreaming of Julia, by A.P. Indy) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Stonestreet Stables LLC. B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (Ky). T-Todd Pletcher. Lifetime Record: GSW, 2-2-0-0, $194,075. Last Start: 3rd Suncoast S. at Tampa Bay Downs Feb. 11. Kentucky Oaks Points: 16. Next Start: To Be Determined

Her story mirrors that of Wonder Wheel. She ran OK to finish third in the Suncoast S. and should move forward off of the race, but surely her connections were expecting better than a third-place finish while going down to defeat to a 38-1 winner. The 'TDN Rising Star' lost by 1 1/2 lengths and had no apparent excuses. Then again, she is a filly who has shown a ton of potential and is a full-sister to champion Malathaat. She very easily can bounce back and, for her, the Ashland will be a huge test. Along with Hoosier Philly, is one of only two fillies nominated to the Triple Crown. Trainer Todd Pletcher likely did so with the GI Belmont S. in mind.

7) THE ALYS LOOK (f, Connect–Foul Play, by Harlan's Holiday) O-Ike and Dawn Thrash. B-G. Watts Humphrey (Ky). T-Brad H. Cox. Sales history: $60,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 5-2-1-1, $150,528. Last Start: Won the Silverbulletday S. at Fair Grounds Jan. 21. Kentucky Oaks Points: 24. Next Start: GII Fair Grounds Oaks, FG, Mar. 25

Will sit out this weekend's Rachel Alexandra and point to the GII Fair Grounds Oaks for trainer Brad Cox. She defeated stablemate Chop Chop last out in the Silverbulletday, posting a mild upset. Only a $60,000 yearling purchase, she was anything but an overnight sensation and lost her second career start, a maiden race at Churchill Downs, by 15 3/4 lengths. She's been a different horses since then, going two-for-three. Like a lot of Cox-trained horses, she seems to be on the improve and could prove to be the best 3-year-old filly from one of the sport's top barns. Cox has won two of the last five runnings of the Oaks.

8) JUSTIQUE (f, Justify–Grazie Mille, by Bernardini) 'TDN Rising Star' O-C R K Stable, LLC. B-John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock (Ky). T-John A Shirreffs. Sales history: $725,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP, 3-2-0-1, $132,000. Last Start: 3rd in the GIII Las Virgenes S. at Santa Anita Jan. 28. Kentucky Oaks Points: 9. Next Start: To Be Determined

Since Justique is 2-for-2 sprinting and 0-for-2 going a route of ground, there is speculation that she is a one-turn horse, even though she closes from another area code. Trainer John Shirreffs does not agree. “I don't think she really has a problem going around two turns,” Shirreffs said. “I know other people think that she does. She just hasn't had the right situation yet. Santa Anita sometimes has a big speed bias and it's hard for horses to close. Del Mar didn't have that and she really shined there. I think that's been a big factor.” The 'TDN Rising Star' looked great in her two sprint races, but was a non-threatening third last time out in the Las Virgenes. She'll have to do better next time out in the Santa Ysabel to be considered a top threat for the Oaks.

9) OCCULT (f, Into Mischief–Magical Feeling, by Empire Maker) O-Alpha Delta Stables, LLC. B-Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, LLC (Ky). T-Chad C. Brown. Sales history: $625,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-2-0-0, $107,450. Last Start: Won the Busanda S. at Aqueduct Jan. 14. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: To Be Determined

Occult, the winner of the Busanda S. at Aqueduct in her most recent start, remains in New York for trainer Chad Brown and has had three four-furlong workouts since her last start. Brown has yet to announce where she will run next. She probably didn't beat much in the Busanda, but she's got the credentials to be a major player in this division. She's by Into Mischief and is trained by Chad Brown, signs pointing to a bright future. She'll need to get better, but there's no reason why she can't.

10) CHOP CHOP (f, City of Light-Grand Sofia, by Giant's Causeway) O-Selective LLC. B-Cobra Farm & MRJ Thoroughbreds. T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $230,000 ylr '21 FTKJUL. Lifetime Record: GSP, 5-2-2-0, $455,450. Last Start: 2nd in the Silverbulletday S. at Fair Grounds Jan. 21. Kentucky Oaks Points: 12. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S., FG, Feb. 18

Can they beat Hoosier Philly in the Rachel Alexandra? If it's going to happen, the horse that will likely pull it off is Chop Chop. She started her career with two straight grass starts before losing by just a nose to Wonder Wheel in the GI Darley Alcibiades S. After finishing up the track as the betting favorite in the Juvenile Fillies, she finished second in the Silverbulletday, losing by a length to stablemate The Alys Look. Trainer Brad Cox takes the blinkers off for the Rachel Alexandra, where she'll need a good performance to remain among the top members of her division.

The post The TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 For Feb. 16 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10

It's early in the season, but not too early to get excited about the group eyeing the GI Kentucky Oaks. In Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief) you have a standout 2-year-old and a deserving Eclipse champion. Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief) has so impressed trainer Tom Amoss that he said the GI Kentucky Derby is under consideration. Justique (Justify) has been ultra-impressive at times. They're the Top 3, but numbers four through 10 make up a group filled with potential.

At least two prominent members of the division will not make it to the Oaks. Trainer Todd Pletcher reports that GI Frizette S. winner Chocolate Gelato (Practical Joke) is behind schedule and will need some more time before returning to the races. Raging Sea (Curlin), who finished third in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, has yet return to training and is not currently on target for the Oaks, reports trainer Chad Brown.

1) WONDER WHEEL (f, Into Mischief–Wonder Gal, by Tiz Wonderful) O-D. J. Stable LLC. B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC & Clearsky Farm (Ky). T-Mark Casse. Sales history: $275,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MGISW, 5-4-1-0, $1,550,725. Last Start: Won GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland Nov. 4. Kentucky Oaks Points: 40. Next Start: Suncoast S., Tam, Feb. 11

Even though she won the GI Alcibiades S., Wonder Wheel was a bit overlooked when sent off at 6-1 in the Juvenile Fillies. Winning by three lengths that day, she proved she was the best of her division and a worthy 2-year-old filly champion. Everyone is jumping on the Hoosier Philly bandwagon, and with good reason, but based on what she accomplished at two, Wonder Wheel deserves to be considered, at least at this point, the No. 1 contender for the Oaks. This is a good horse with no apparent flaws. She has been training at Mark Casse's facility in Ocala and has, through Tuesday, had works of three furlongs and four furlongs. DJ Stable General Manager Jon Green reports that the filly will have one more work before it is decided where she will make her 3-year-old debut, but said the Feb. 11 Suncoast S. at Tampa is the most likely spot. That could set her up for a run in the GI Ashland S.

2) HOOSIER PHILLY (f, Into Mischief–Tapella, by Tapit) O-Gold Standard Racing Stable, LLC. B-Candy Meadows, LLC (Ky). T-Thomas Amoss. Sales history: $510,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-3-0-0, $432,610. Last Start: Won GII Golden Rod S. at Churchill Downs Nov. 26. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S, FG, Feb. 18

Trainer Tom Amoss believes that Hoosier Philly is a once-in-a-lifetime horse. “If she stays healthy, she is going to wow the world,” he said. Amoss, who won the 2019 Kentucky Oaks with Serengeti Empress (Alternation), has also called her the best horse he has ever trained. He's even contemplating running her in the Kentucky Derby. That the trainer has talked in such glowing terms about the filly has definitely made her stock rise and has led to many rating her as the best of her group. It's easy to see what Amoss likes about Hoosier Philly. She's 3-for-3 and absolutely demolished the competition in the Rags to Riches S. and the GII Golden Rod S., both at Churchill Downs. So far as her road to the Oaks goes, here's what Amoss had to say: “She is back at the track and training daily. We are tentatively pointing towards the Rachel Alexandra, but we are not married to that spot.” A very exciting filly.

3) JUSTIQUE (f, Justify–Grazie Mille, by Bernardini) 'TDN Rising Star' O-C R K Stable, LLC. B-John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock (Ky). T-John A Shirreffs. Sales history: $725,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP, 3-2-0-1, $132,000. Last Start: Won Desi Arnaz S. at Del Mar Nov. 19. Kentucky Oaks Points: 0. Next Start: GIII Las Virgenes S., SA, Jan. 28

Justique | Benoit

She has to prove a lot, lot, lot more before she can be compared to Zenyatta (Street Cry {Ire}), but she definitely has a few things in common with the 2010 Horse of the Year, starting with the fact that both come from the John Shirreffs barn. Then there's her running style. She sits far back early and then closes with an eye-catching and explosive late kick, just like the great Zenyatta. She was scratched from the GIII Santa Ynez S. earlier this month with a temperature, but looks ready for this Saturday's GIII Las Virgenes S. Her three-race career has not exactly been perfect. Though everything about her suggests she will thrive around two turns, her worst race came in the GII Chandelier S. The only time she went a distance, she was a non-threatening third in the mile-and-a-sixteenth race and got a Beyer figure of just 66. That race is likely an outlier, but it also means she has some questions to answer.

4) ICE DANCING (f, Frosted–Welcome Dance, by Henny Hughes) O-Perry R Bass, II & Ramona Bass. B-Bass Stables, LLC (Ky). T-Richard Mandella. Lifetime Record: GSW & GISP, 5-2-0-2, $219,600. Last Start: Won GIII Santa Ynez S. at Santa Anita Jan. 8. Kentucky Oaks Points: 12. Next Start: To Be Determined

Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella showed early on how much confidence he had in this filly, running her as a maiden in the GI Del Mar Debutante and the Chandelier S. She was third in the Del Mar race and fourth in the Chandelier. After that race, Mandella went back to square one and found a maiden race for her. Since then, everything has gone right. She broke her maiden on Nov. 25 and then romped in the GIII Santa Ynez S. on Jan. 8. Mandella is never one to rush a horse and it's a safe bet that we have yet to see this filly's best. She will not run Saturday in the Las Virgenes S. “We're not going to run her this weekend,” Mandella said. It's too quick back. I don't have a plan yet. There is the Santa Ysabel Stakes here, but I might look around.” Could emerge as the clear leader of the Southern California division.

5) LEAVE NO TRACE (f, Outwork–Tanquerray, by Good Journey) O-WellSpring Stables. B-Red Cloak Farm, LLC (Ky). T-Philip Serpe. Sales history: $8,000 yrl '21 FTFFEB; $40,000 yrl '21 FTMOCT. Lifetime Record: GISW, 4-2-1-1, $598,650. Last Start: 2nd in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland Nov. 4. Kentucky Oaks Points: 15. Next Start: GII Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 4

A $40,000 purchase at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Mid-Atlantic Eastern Fall Yearling Sale, she's been an overachiever ever since bought that day by owner Dr. Robert Vukovich. Trainer Phil Serpe doesn't get many opportunities with Grade I level horses, but he's pushed all the right buttons with this filly, winning the GI Spinaway S. before finishing third in the Frizette and second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Wonder Wheel beat her by three lengths in the Juvenile Fillies, so she may need to improve this year, but there's no reason why that can't happen. Blue-collar or not, she shows up every time. She has breezed twice after being given a break over the winter, the most recent work a four-furlong move in 49.31 at Gulfstream.

6) JULIA SHINING (f, Curlin–Dreaming of Julia, by A.P. Indy) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Stonestreet Stables LLC. B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (Ky). T-Todd Pletcher. Lifetime Record: GSW, 2-2-0-0, $194,075. Last Start: Won the GII Demoiselle S. at Aqueduct Dec. 3. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: Suncoast S., Tam, Feb. 11

Julia Shining | Sarah Andrew

Give Todd Pletcher a filly by Curlin and good things happen. Pletcher finished second in last year's Oaks with Nest (Curlin) and won the 2021 Oaks with Malathaat (Curlin); the latter won an Eclipse Award. The latest to come around is Julia Shining, a full sister to Malathaat. She turned a lot of heads when winning her debut at Keeneland. She was climbing early in the race, but exploded once she leveled off. Next out, she won the GII Demoiselle, the same race won by Nest and Malathaat. There's a lot to like, but she needs to prove more before ascending on this list. As the 1-2 favorite, she won the Demoiselle by just a neck and had to work hard to do so and her best Beyer figure is a 71, which she produced in her debut. Looks like she'll face Wonder Wheel in the Suncoast, a $150,000 ungraded race that has attracted two of the best fillies in the division.

7) FAIZA (f, Girvin–Sweet Pistol, by Smart Strike) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Michael L Petersen. B-Brereton C. Jones (Ky). T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $90,000 yrl '21 KEESEP; $725,000 2yo '22 FTMMAY. Lifetime Record: GISW, 2-2-0-0, $222,000. Last Start: Won the GI Starlet S. at Los Alamitos on Dec. 10. Kentucky Oaks Points: 0. Next Start: GIII Las Virgenes S., SA, Jan. 28

Considering how high the bar is set, Bob Baffert is relatively light when it comes to 3-year-old fillies. For now, it looks like Faiza is his best hope. A $725,000 purchase from the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-

Year-Olds in Training Sale, she looked every bit worthy of that price tag when breaking her maiden by 3 1/2 lengths at Del Mar in November. Baffert wheeled her back in the GI Starlet S. at Los Alamitos and got a win, but she had to work awfully hard to get the job done. She won a stretch battle with the 12-1 shot Pride of the Nile (Pioneer ofthe Nile). It's dangerous to underestimate any horse in the Baffert stable, but this is another one who needs to show more before being considered among the top threats for the Oaks.

8) THE ALYS LOOK (f, Connect–Foul Play, by Harlan's Holiday) O-Ike and Dawn Thrash. B-G. Watts Humphrey (Ky). T-Brad H. Cox. Sales history: $60,000 yrl '21 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 5-2-1-1, $150,528. Last Start: Won the Silverbulletday S. at Fair Grounds Jan. 21. Kentucky Oaks Points: 24. Next Start: GII Fair Grounds Oaks, FG, Mar. 25

While Brad Cox doesn't have nearly the depth in this division that he does with his 3-year-old colts, he's got some interesting prospects, among them The Alys Look. Just a $60,000 yearling purchase, the filly kicked off her 3-year-old campaign last Saturday with a one-length win over stablemate Chop Chop (City of Light) in the Silverbulletday S. presented by Fasig-Tipton. It wasn't the best field, but she looked good in the victory and might be on the improve. She has been a much different horses since Cox took the blinkers off after her second career start, where she was beaten 15 3/4 lengths in a maiden at Churchill.

Occult won in her stakes debut when capturing the Jan.14 Busanda S. at Aqueduct. But if she is that good, why isn't she with Chad Brown's first string in Florida? The answer is that Brown has no problem developing good horses in New York during the winter months. His Kentucky Oaks runner-up Search Results (Flatter), as well as his two winners of the GI Preakness S., Cloud Computing (Maclean's Music) and Early Voting (Gun Runner), all used the Big A road to the Oaks and Derby. A $625,000 yearling buy by Into Mischief whose in the hands of Chad Brown and is now a stakes winner, Occult checks a lot of boxes. Brown said he's not sure where Occult will run next and that he will look for a race in early March for her.

10) CHOP CHOP (f, City of Light–Grand Sophia, by Giant's Causeway) Selective, LLC. B-Cobra Farm & MRJ Thoroughbreds, LLC (Ky). T-Brad H. Cox. Sales history: $230,000 yrl '21 FTKJUL. Lifetime Record: GISP, 5-2-0-0, $455,450. Last Start: 2nd in the Busanda S. at Aqueduct Jan. 14. Kentucky Oaks Points: 12. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S, FG, Feb. 18

Was simply second best behind stablemate The Alys Look in the Silverbulletday S. presented by Fasig-Tipton as the 4-5 favorite. So her 3-year-old campaign did not get off to the best of starts. But she still ran well enough for her to be considered at least a mid-level threat for the Kentucky Oaks. This remains the filly that lost to divisional leader Wonder Wheel by just a nose in the GI Alcibiades S. and went off as the 2-1 favorite in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, where she finished 13th.

The post TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Mar. 3

What to do with the Bob Baffert-trained horses? Up until now, we have been including them in the TDN Kentucky Oaks rankings, believing that they'd find a way into the race. Either their owners would move them to another trainer or Baffert would find a way through the courts that would allow them to enter. But when the story broke last week that Baffert had not nominated a single horse to the GI Kentucky Oaks we decided to drop them from the rankings and won't include them again until there is more concrete news on their status for the Oaks.

The big story last week was, of course, the win by Secret Oath in the GIII Honeybee S. at Oaklawn. It will be a busy weekend for the 3-year-old fillies as Gulfstream offers the GII Davona Dale S. on Saturday and Santa Anita's Sunday card includes the GIII Santa Ysabel S. The weekend's racing action also features the Busher Invitational S. at Aqueduct.

Here's a look at the top 3-year-old fillies who are aiming for the May 6 Oaks:

1) SECRET OATH (Arrogate–Absinthe Minded, by Quiet American) O-Briland Farm; B-Briland Farm, Robert & Stacy Mitchell (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-3-0-1, $285,167. Last Start: 1st GIII Honeybee S. Next Start: Likely for GIII Fantasy S., OP, Apr. 2. KY Oaks Points: 60.

You can question who she beat, but not the way she did it. The Wayne Lukas/Secret Oath story rolls on. Winning her second consecutive stakes and her first graded stakes, she beat up on her competition in the Honeybee, moving her 86-year-old trainer one step closer to a possible win in the Kentucky Oaks. After showing little in her first three starts, she's turned into a monster at Oaklawn, taking her three starts there by a combined 23 lengths.

In the Honeybee, which she won by 7 1/2 lengths, she covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.74. Later on in the card, the GII Rebel S. for 3-year-old males went in 1:45.69. Lukas won the GI Arkansas Derby in 1984 with the filly Althea but, so far, is saying that it's likely Secret Oath will stay with the fillies. That decision was made easier when the Lukas-trained Ethereal Road (Quality Road) emerged as a Derby contender with a second-place finish in the Rebel.

Thirty-two years after he last won the Oaks, with Seaside Attraction in 1990, Lukas could return to the winner's circle in what would be among the more remarkable stories in the sport in some time. Or might he be tempted to point her for the Kentucky Derby, a race he won with a filly in Winning Colors in 1988? It should be interesting.

Secret Oath is also carrying the banner for her sire, Arrogate, who died in 2020 and will have a limited amount of offspring make it to the races. Secret Oath is his first graded stakes winner in North America.

2) NEST (Curlin–Marion Ravenwood, by A.P. Indy) O-Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners & Michael House; B-Ashview Farm & Colts Neck Stables (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. Sales History: $350,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-3-0-1, $265,000. Last Start: 1st Suncoast S. Next Start: GI Central Bank Ashland S., KEE, Apr. 8. KY Oaks Points: 20.

Speaking of Lukas, his protégé Todd Pletcher could stand in the way of his winning the Kentucky Oaks. Pletcher has a number of potential Oaks candidates, but the best of the bunch is Nest.

Like Secret Oath, Nest didn't beat much in her last start, the Suncoast S. at Tampa Bay Downs, but she did it with authority, romping by six lengths. Coming off a layoff after winning the Dec. 4 GII Demoiselle S. at Aqueduct, Nest got exactly the type of prep that should move her forward on the road to the GI Ashland S. and the Kentucky Oaks. Pletcher will be after his fifth Oaks victory, which would tie him with Woody Stephens for most wins in the race by a trainer. Nest is a full sister to 2021 GI Santa Anita H. winner Idol (Curlin), who is working toward his 2022 debut at San Luis Rey Downs.

3) KATHLEEN O. (Upstart–Quaver, by Blame) O-Winngate Stables, LLC; B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. & Bridlewood Farm (KY); T-Shug McGaughey. Sales History: $8,000 wlg '19 KEENOV; $50,000 ylg '20 OBSOCT; $275,000 2yo '21 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: SW, 2-2-0-0, $104,760. Last Start: 1st Cash Run S. Next Start: GII Davona Dale. S, GP, Mar. 5. KY Oaks Points: 0.

She has won only a maiden race and a non-graded stakes, so Kathleen O. has plenty to prove. And she'll get the chance Saturday in the GII Davona Dale S. She's 9-2 on the morning line, which is probably a reflection of her speed figures more so than how impressive she's been visually. With a best Beyer number of 78, she's not that fast. But her last race, a win in the Cash Run S., is better than it looks on paper. She hesitated at the start and then had some traffic problems, but still won by 8 1/2 lengths. Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey always takes his time with young horses, so this one should only get better. The Davona Dale will certainly be a major test for this filly.

4) ECHO ZULU (Gun Runner–Letgomyecho, by Menifee) 'TDN Rising Star' O-L and N Racing LLC & Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Betz/J. Betz/Burns/CHNNHK/Magers/CoCo Equine/ Ramsby (KY); T-Steve Asmussen. Sales History: $300,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2yo Filly, MGISW, 4-4-0-0, $1,480,000. Last Start: 1st GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies S. Next Start: TBA. KY Oaks Points: 30.

She's getting there. Last year's 2-year-old filly champ had her fourth workout this year when breezing five furlongs in 1:01.80 on Monday at the Fair Grounds for trainer Steve Asmussen. “Looks good,” Asmussen wrote in a text. The Hall of Fame trainer has yet to announce where Echo Zulu will run next, but the GII Fair Grounds Oaks on March 26 seems like a logical spot. If that's the case, she will probably have only one prep for the Oaks. That may not be ideal, but Asmussen obviously knows what he's doing and his filly, after going undefeated at two, probably doesn't need to do a lot to get ready. Because she's been idle, she's flown under the radar this year, but let's not forget how dominant she was last season.

5) HAPPY SOUL (Runhappy–Cowgirl Lucky, by Stephen Got Even) O-Gayla Rankin; B-Harris Training Center, LLC (KY); T-Wesley Ward. Sales History: $50,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MSW, 4-3-1-0, $238,500. Last Start: 1st Dixie Belle S. Next Start: TBA. KY Oaks Points: 0.

This is the wild card in the race toward the Kentucky Oaks. The daughter of Runhappy is as fast as they get. She broke her maiden by 11 3/4 lengths and then won the Astoria S. by 11 1/2 lengths. Coming off a layoff of eight-plus months, she made her 3-year-old debut against a tough group of opponents in the Feb. 19 Dixie Belle at Oaklawn, which she won by three lengths. The problem is she's never run beyond six furlongs. She's trained by Wesley Ward, who does his best work with sprinters, so it came as somewhat of a surprise when he said the Oaks is a possibility. Either the Ashland or the GIII Beaumont S. will be next. She's good enough to win a Grade I, but can she win a Grade I at nine furlongs?

6) GIRL WITH A DREAM (Practical Joke–Henley, by Corinthian) O-Jim Bakke & Gerald Isbister; B-Machmer Hall & D + J Racing Stable LLC; T-Brad Cox. Sales History: $115,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 6-4-1-0, $231,480. Last Start: 1st GIII Forward Gal S. Next Start: GII Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 5. KY Oaks Points: 10.

This Saturday's Davona Dale should determine whether or not Girl With a Dream belongs in the Oaks. Trained by Brad Cox, she has won three straight, including the GIII Forward Gal S. in her most recent start. But like Happy Soul, she's been sprinting and has never gone beyond seven furlongs. It looks like Cox is using the one-mile Davona Dale as a test to see if she can handle longer races. She is the 3-1 morning line favorite, is the clear speed in the race and figures to open up to an easy lead with Luis Saez aboard.

7) TURNERLOOSE (Nyquist–Goaltending, by A.P. Indy) O-Ike & Dawn Thrash; B-William Humphries & Altair Farms LLC (KY); T-Brad Cox. Sales History: $32,000 RNA wlg '19 KEENOV; $50,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-3-0-1, $531,300. Last Start: 1st GII Rachel Alexandra S. Presented by Fasig-Tipton. Next Start: TBA. KY Oaks Points: 50.

Another Cox trainee, it's hard to know what to make of her. Going into the GII Rachel Alexandra S. Presented by Fasig-Tipton, she looked like she had the makings of a good grass horse. The winner of the Juvenile Fillies S. at Kentucky Downs and the third-place finisher in the GII Jessamine S., she made her dirt debut in the Rachel Alexandra and was dismissed at 17-1–huge odds for a Cox horse. With Florent Geroux aboard, she came through and won by a half-length and is obviously a contender for the Kentucky Oaks. But the Rachel Alexandra was a strange race. The 2-1 favorite, Hidden Connection (Connect), was a non-threatening fourth; and third choice La Crete (Medaglia d'Oro) was pulled up with a career-ending injury. We'll know more about this filly when she makes her next start, which Cox said will either be in the GI Ashland or the GII Fair Grounds Oaks.

8) MAGIC CIRCLE (Kantharos–Magic Humor, by Distorted Humor) O-J.W. Singer LLC; B-Manitou Farm, LLC (KY); T-Rudy Rodriguez. Sales History: $50,000 ylg '20 KEEJAN; $110,000 2yo '21 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP, 5-2-1-1, $194,000. Last Start: 1st Busanda S. Next Start: Busher Invitational S., AQU, Mar. 5. KY Oaks Points: 13.

Unraced since a Jan. 23 win in the Busanda S., Magic Circle will look to return to the winner's circle Saturday at Aqueduct in the Busher Invitational. Normally stakes races in the winter at Aqueduct don't come up that tough, but the Busher is not an easy spot. The field will include the Shug McGaughey-trained Radio Days (Gun Runner), who was second in the Forward Gal; and Ruthless S. winner Shotgun Hottie (Gun Runner). The winner of this race will be legit. For Magic Circle, after winning the Busher at nine furlongs, she will be turning back to a one-turn mile. Magic Circle is a steady, blue-collar type, and a good fit for the winter at the Big A. It remains to be seen if she can step up and win against tougher.

Ain't Easy | Benoit Photo

9) AIN'T EASY (Into Mischief–Ameristralia {Aus}, by Fastnet Rock {Aus}) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Old Bones Racing Stable LLC, Michael V. Lombardi & Joey Platts; B-Spendthrift Farm LLC (KY); T-Phil D'Amato. Sales History: $400,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 2-2-0-0. Last Start: 1st GII Chandelier S. Next Start: GIII Santa Ysabel, SA, Mar. 6. KY Oaks Points: 10.

Remember this one? After winning the GII Chandelier S. last fall at Santa Anita by 4 3/4 lengths, she was ready to take on all challengers in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile until it was discovered that she had a small chip in her left front ankle. She's been working her way back with a series of breezes at Santa Anita and is set to make her 3-year-old debut Sunday in the Santa Ysabel. Coming off a six-furlong gate work in 1:14,60, it looks like trainer Phil D'Amato has her ready to go. A $400,000 yearling buy by Into Mischief, she could be the real deal.

10) SHAHAMA (Munnings–Private Feeling, by Belong to Me) 'TDN Rising Star' O-KHK Racing; B-SF Bloodstock LLC (KY); T-Fawzi Abdulla Nass/Todd Pletcher. Sales History: $425,000 2yo '21 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GSW-UAE, $223,670. Last Start: 1st G3 UAE Oaks. Next Start: TBA. KY Oaks Points: 50.

The news broke Saturday that 'TDN Rising Star' Shahama (Munnings) was being transferred to the Todd Pletcher barn with an eye on making the Kentucky Oaks. A half-sister to two-time Eclipse Award winner Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) and to MGSW Kensei (Mr. Greeley), she is 4-for-4 with her most recent win coming in the GIII UAE Oaks at Meydan on Feb. 18. She's never run anywhere but Dubai, so it's hard to tell how her form will transfer to U.S. racing, but she has been impressive in her wins. An interesting new face on the trail to the Kentucky Oaks.

The post TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Mar. 3 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Feb. 10

While several of the sport's best 3-year-old fillies have still yet to race this year, there were plenty of developments since we last checked in with our top 10 for the GI Kentucky Oaks. The biggest story came Sunday out of California, where Adare Manor (Uncle Mo) demolished the competition in the GIII Las Virgenes. A day earlier, Girl With a Dream (Practical Joke) won the GIII Forward Gal S. at seven furlongs at Gulfstream, upsetting 3-5 favorite Radio Days (Gun Runner). The runner-up appeared to be a serious Oaks candidate for Shug McGaughey, but she'll need to do more before cracking our top 10. At Aqueduct on Sunday, Shotgun Hottie (Gun Runner) won the Ruthless S. at seven furlongs and is on the bubble when it comes to making this list.

Here's a look at the top 3-year-old fillies who are aiming for the May 6 Oaks:

1) ECHO ZULU (Gun Runner–Letgomyecho, by Menifee) 'TDN Rising Star' O-L and N Racing LLC & Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Betz/J. Betz/Burns/CHNNHK/Magers/CoCo Equine/ Ramsby (KY); T-Steve Asmussen. Sales History: $300,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MGISW, 4-4-0-0, $1,480,000. Last Start: 1st GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies S. Next Start: TBD. KY Oaks Points: 30.

Echo Zulu had her first work this year on Tuesday when breezing three furlongs in 39.80. “She's doing good,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “I waited a few days after a lot of rain this week. We will continually pick it up with her.” With her first work coming on Feb. 8, it's clear Asmussen is in no hurry to get his soon-to-be-named champion back into the entries and he has not revealed yet where or when she will make her 3-year-old debut. Echo Zulu was nominated to the Triple Crown, but Asmussen has given no indication that he is thinking GI Kentucky Derby instead of the Oaks. After a stellar 2-year-old season, she deserves to be considered No. 1 until proven otherwise.

2) ADARE MANOR (Uncle Mo–Brooklynsway, by Giant Gizmo) O-Michael Lund Petersen; B-Town & Country Horse Farms, LLC & Gary Broad (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales History: $180,000 ylg '20 FTKFEB; $190,000 RNA ylg '20 FTKSEL; $375,000 2yo '21 OBSOPN. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-2-1-0, $56,600. Last Start: 1st GIII Las Virgenes S. Next Start: TBD. KY Oaks Points: N/A.

Unlike most of Bob Baffert's top horses, Adare Manor was anything but an overnight sensation. She didn't break her maiden until her third start, which was when Baffert sent her two turns for the first time. A 12-length winner that day, she followed it up with another explosive effort in the Las Virgenes. She won by 13 lengths and got a 94 Beyer, the best for any 3-year-old filly this year. The only knock is that she faced just three rivals. Had she been trained by anyone else, Adare Manor would have gotten 10 Kentucky Oaks points, but no horses trained by Baffert are eligible to be awarded points for the Oaks or the GI Kentucky Derby. How will that situation be resolved and will owner Michael Lund Peterson stick with Baffert? Stay tuned. Baffert has not said where she will run next, but the GII Santa Anita Oaks Apr. 9 seems like the logical spot.

There's a lot to like about this filly. She is undefeated in two starts, overcame a sluggish start to win the Cash Run S. on Jan 1 at Gulfstream and is trained by Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey. The problem is that she isn't fast. She ran a 67 Beyer when breaking her maiden in November at Aqueduct and then a 78 when winning the Cash Run. McGaughey's horses never peak early, so there is no doubt a lot of upside with a filly that was visually impressive when winning at Gulfstream. She must still prove she can go two turns, and will get that chance in the GII Davona Dale S.

4) JUJU'S MAP (Liam's Map–Nagambie, by Flatter) O-Albaugh Family Stables LLC; B-Fred W. Hertrich III (KY); T-Brad Cox. Sales History: $190,000 ylg '20 KEEJAN; $300,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GISW, 4-2-2-0, $620,800. Last Start: 2nd GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Next Start: TBD. KY Oaks Points: 18.

Trainer Brad Cox hasn't had much to say about his Grade I-winning filly who was second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies behind Echo Zulu. As of Wednesday, she had yet to have her first published breeze of the year. If she doesn't show up on the work tab soon, we'll drop her from the list. That said, she clearly has the talent to be a major player in the 3-year-old filly division this year. Her 4 1/4-length win in the GI Darley Alcibiades S. was one of the more impressive races turned in by any 2-year-old filly in 2021.

5) SECRET OATH (Arrogate–Absinthe Minded, by Quiet American) O-Briland Farm; B-Briland Farm, Robert & Stacy Mitchell (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas. Lifetime Record: SW, 5-3-0-1, $285,167. Last Start: 1st Martha Washington S. Next Start: GIII Honeybee S., OP, Feb. 26. KY Oaks Points: 10.

The story here is D. Wayne Lukas. The 86-year-old Hall of Famer is back in the spotlight with a filly that has the talent to give him his fifth Oaks win and his first since Seaside Attraction way back in 1990. When she won the Martha Washington S. it was Lukas's first stakes victory since Apr. 7, 2018, when he won the GIII Commonwealth S. at Keeneland. Secret Oath didn't show much until blowing out an allowance field at Oaklawn on Dec. 31, winning by 8 1/4 lengths. She backed that up with a 7 1/4-length win in the Martha Washington, also at Oaklawn.

6) EDA (Munnings–Show Me, by Lemon Drop Kid) O-Baoma Corporation; B-Nathan McCauley (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales History: $240,000 ylg '20 KEESEP; $550,000 2yo '21 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 6-4-1-0, $370,000. Last Start: 1st GI Starlet S. Next Start: TBD. KY Oaks Points: N/A.

Eda was a late scratch from the Las Virgenes and Baffert has yet to announce any future plans for her. Baoma Corp. director Ed Nevins said there is nothing amiss with the filly and she is still on track for the Oaks. Like Adare Manor, her status for the Oaks is up in the air because of Baffert's situation. She hasn't been seen since winning the GI Starlet S. at Los Alamitos on Dec. 4. It was an important win for her as it proved she could go two turns after she began her career with five straight tries in sprint races.

7) GERRYMANDER (Into Mischief–Ruby Lips, by Hard Spun) O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Town & Country Horse Farms, LLC & Pollock Farms (KY); T-Chad Brown. Sales History: $375,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW & GISP, 4-2-2-0, $235,500. Last Start: 1st Tempted S. Next Start: TBD. KY Oaks Points: 4.

Gerrymander, the winner of the Tempted S., has been making steady progress in Florida for Chad Brown. Her latest work was a four-furlong breeze in :48.80 at Payson Park. Brown said he has yet to pick out a race fo her. Normally, the Tempted is not that important a race, but Gerrymander beat Magic Circle (Kantharos) and Nest (Curlin) that day. Magic Circle came back to win the Busanda S. and Nest returned with a win in the GII Demoiselle S. Gerrymander has never run beyond a mile or around two turns.

8) LA CRETE (Medaglia d'Oro–Cavorting, by Bernardini) O/B-Stonestreet Stables (KY); T-Steve Asmussen. Lifetime Record: SW, 2-2-0-0, $159,460. Last Start: 1st Silverbulletday S. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S., FG, Feb. 19. KY Oaks Points: 10.

La Crete is a very interesting filly for the Steve Asmussen barn. A half-sister to GI Cotillion S. winner Clairiere (Curlin) out of MGISW Cavorting (Bernardini), she entered the conversation for the Kentucky Oaks with a determined win in the Silverbulletday S. at the Fair Grounds. Since her top Beyer number is just a74, it looks like she's going to have to improve to pull off a win in a race like the Oaks, but, with her breeding and her connections, there is a lot of upside here. For her, the Rachel Alexandra will be a big test.

La Crete | Coady Photo

9) NEST (Curlin–Marion Ravenwood, by A.P. Indy) O-Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners & Michael House; B-Ashview Farm & Colts Neck Stables (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. Sales History: $350,000 ylg '20 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-0-1, $205,000. Last Start: 1st GII Demoiselle S. Next Start: Suncoast S., TAM, Feb. 12. KY Oaks Points: 10.

She will make her 3-year-old debut Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs in the Suncoast S. for the white-hot Todd Pletcher stable. Her biggest win came in the Demoiselle, but she didn't beat a stellar field that day. She might have an easy time of it in the Suncoast and then will get a big test in the GI Central Bank Ashland S. After winning last year with Malathaat (Curlin), Pletcher is looking to become the first trainer to win back-to-back Oaks' since his old boss, Wayne Lukas, did it in 1989 and 1990.

10) MAGIC CIRCLE (Kantharos–Magic Humor, by Distorted Humor) O-J.W. Singer LLC; B-Manitou Farm, LLC (KY); T-Rudy Rodriguez. Sales History: $50,000 yrl '20 KEEJAN; $110,000 2yo '21 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP, 5-2-1-1, $194,000. Last Start: 1st Busanda S. Next Start: TBD. KY Oaks Points: 13.

Magic Circle failed in her first test in Grade I company, running a poor fourth in last year's Frizette S. But she's gotten better since then and picked up her first stakes win when taking down top honors in the Busanda S. on Jan. 23 ast the Big A. By Kantharos, her pedigree may not scream nine furlongs, but based on her win in the 1 1/8-mile Busanda, distance doesn't appear to be a problem. Trainer Rudy Rodriguez has yet to announce her next start.

The post TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Feb. 10 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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