The 20th Running of the G1 BEL Oaks
Saturday, July 9, 2022
BEL Race #10 $700.000
3YO F 122 Lbs 11/4 Turf
Track Record-1:57.15 (Forking Fast-2008)
Stakes Record-1:58.82 (Good Line/Perfect Class-2017/2022)
Equalling the stakes’ record of 1:58.82, Perfect Class was in a class all to herself on Saturday in the G1 BEL Oaks. Always within striking distance from the two-path, Perfect Class had to wait a liitle longer than she probably wanted to, but, in the end, it didn’t matter once she was turned loose. With the winner’s share of the $700.000 purse, Perfect Class has earned $971.240 in a career that has seen her defeated on turf only once in seven tries. Just in her sophomore season, Perfect Class has earned three graded scores (one at each level) between 8 and 10 furlongs.
Breaking from stall seven, Perfect Class, and Asset Class homebred filly trained by Sccj Stables, was able to take up a stalking position between runners in the two path as I Love Me and Directors Chair duked it out up front. The eventual winner sat two-to-three lengths off of the :47.44 and 1:10.92 pace of I Love Me.
Perfect Class appeared ready to pounce nearing the 3/8 pole, but she witheld her run as Directors Chair sat in her path. After I Love Me posted a 1:34.68 mile split, Directors Chair moved just wide enough so that Perfect Class saw daylight. Race Over. Perfect Class immediately jumped into the bridle and carried Mario Gutierrez to the lead by the time they reched the final furlong and then extended her lead throughout the remainder of the stretch before hitting the wire in 1:58.82 to equal the stake’s record. Make An Impact earned the place with a rally from midpack and beat Directors Chair to the wire by a half-length. The latter got the better of I Love Me for the show after seemingly spinning her wheels for much of the stretch-run. Wander was fifth and was followed home by The Intouchables/Barbara Eden (DH-6th), Demanding Commander, Becoming, Lady Hilltopper, Ginger Tiara, Love Of The People, and Made In An Image.
Sccj Stables reported that the G1 DMR Oaks, G3 SAR Oaks, or G1 Beverly D could be potential landing spots for Perfect Class. If she continues on her current trajectory, the rest of us can only hope that we show up where she isn’t. Congratulations to Sccj Stables and Perfect Class, the dominant winners of the G1 BEL Oaks!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
