FG Oaks – Grade 2 – $400.000

FG – 1 1/16 Mile – Dirt

For Fillies Three Years Old

March 25, 2023

The ladies are lining up for those coveted KYO points, and with 200 on the line, who can blame them? This field is packed with talent, including #1 qualifier Niagra Keys and #7 Lucky Star who first met right here at FG in the Alexandra. Niagra Keys got the win by a quarter of a length that day in a thriller. These two are not the only real contenders in this talented field, but you have to wonder if this is going to be a rematch and who might come out on top this time.

Here’s the field:

1 Scarlett Dream (Arindel)

After winning the Grade 1 Starlet in December, Scarlett Dream made her 2023 debut in the Withers (Grade 3) against the boys. Since she broke her maiden in July, that effort is the only spot on a remarkable record. With 31 KYO points, she is currently #9 on the KYO qualifying list and could very well add to that total in this race.

2 Shining At Knight (Our Athletes)

This filly has only a maiden win to her credit, but she has managed to collect 28 KYO points and is currently #14 on the KYO qualifying after finishing fourth in the Demoiselle, third in the Silverbulletday and second in the Santa Ysabel. If she follows that pattern, she is due for a win. It will be interesting to see what she can do on a dry track if the track comes up fast tomorrow.

3 Shadow State (Smokey Stover)

Another legitimate contender, Shadow State is third on the KYO qualifying list and she’s only had three starts. After an impressive maiden win, she jumped right into the stakes pool and came away with a third-place finish and her first KYO points. She followed that up with a win in the Honeybee. So far, she has been phenomenal. And like Shining At Knight, it would be good to see what she could do on a dry track. Rain or shine, she should be in the mix.

4 Neon Red (Big Guns Stables)

Broke her maiden in a four-length romp at TUP in January. Followed that up with back-to-back fourth place finishes in stakes company. That earned her 4 points and she hopes to add to that here. She is consistent but may not have what it takes to beat these.

5 Lucky Star (Calia Stable)

Started her run for the KY Oaks last year with a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Frizette. After a seventh in the BC Juvenile Fillies, she came back to win the Demoiselle and earned even more points with a second-place finish in the Grade 2 Alexandra here at FG for a total of 33. Does her best running up front so look for her to contest the lead. If she has her way early, she should be hard to catch.

6 Up She Flew (Aer Stables)

Another one who started her run for the KY Oaks early with a third-place finish in the Chandelier back in October. Two starts back she won the Las Virgenes (Grade 3) and finished third in the Alexandra last out. She looks to be at the top of her game, and if she can get the distance, she could be right there in the mix.

7 With Criminals (Big Guns Stables)

Big Guns Stables’ second entry has just a maiden win to her credit, but she finished third in the Santa Ynez (Grade 2) and fourth in the Martha Washington. Both of those performances earned her KYO points, and she hopes to add to that here. Another one that needs to prove she can go the distance.

8 Niagra Keys (Alydar Stables)

Number one on the KYO qualifying list, Niagra Keys is definitely the one to beat in this field. She was brilliant in the Alexandra (Grade 2) last out, coming from dead last to get up for the win. If she can repeat that performance, she will add to her 60 points and solidify her position as favorite to win the big one.

11 Forlorn Hope (TwinTowerRacing)

With two scratches, Forlorn Hope breaks from the #9 slot. Her road to the KYO has been a bumpy one. With just 8 points, she has a lot to hope for in this contest. Second last out in the $150.000 Cincinnati Trophy, her best performance since breaking her maiden last June. She will need some luck and a good trip to get part of this purse.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES