The BEL Oaks – Grade I
SAR Race #4 1 1/8m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $500.000 For Fillies Three Years Old.
1 Ruths House TwinTowersRacing Hernandez R M 122 —
The form with these fillies is so interchangeable that pretty much anything could win this race if you pick the right form line and this is a typical example. Also typical at the moment is that her last three races have been on off tracks, so the form is even harder to read. Going on her juvenile form where she was beaten less than a length in the BC Juvenile Turf, she would have a great chance, but she has been a bit hit and miss this year though that of course could be down to going and draw. Her works are still decent, and she gets the same draw she had when she made all to win the Sweetest Chant at the start of the year so just maybe today is her day.
2 Ava Royalty Stables Geroux F 122 —
The brilliant winner of the BC Juvenile Turf and Miss Grillo as a juvenile she looked as if the year was going to go well when kicking off with a strong third in the FL Oaks but then she came un-stuck on the off track last time so things haven’t gone as smoothly as expected, The track looks like it will be dry so, I expect a big jump back to her best today with the perfect draw to dominate from.
3 Spanish Empire Arindel Zayas E J 122 —
She disappointed in the FL Oaks when ridden with a bit of restraint but looked very good in the Honeymoon last time when leading and holding on well. Her best chance seems to be making the lead, and she gets a good draw to do that from today with some strong works to back her chances up.
4 Salty Heifer Mb Stables Franco M 122 —
Looked pretty good on speed in the Las Virgenes and the VA Oaks but was a little off the speed and out of form in her next two, so switches to the turf today and seems to be working like she will improve for it. The off track was against her last time, but it looks like it will stay dry today so with the champion at the controls she will be one of the favorites for sure.
5 Blakeney Royalty Stables Velazquez J R 122 —
Very good off the front in the BC Juvenile Turf when just collared by Ava she has taken a bit of time to find her form this year but was right back to her best in the Regret last time when making all on a soft pace. She will look to do the same today and if she can get away with the cheap splits again, she would be a winning chance,
6 Mean Girl D J C Racing Stables Pennington F 122 —
Well beaten in the Sweetest Chant, she has won her two races since and looks to be improving. Her form isn’t as good as the best here, but her works are pretty equitable, and she has a good running style that has seen her win four from her last six. Gets a chance today to break through into the big time.
7 Sannys Legacy Threshold Curtis B 122 —
Unbeatable on wet ground, vulnerable on dry so with the forecast saying dry for this race it is tough to see her late finish prevailing. But, like the others her form crossovers see her beating some of these even on a dry track so you just won’t know till the fat lady sings.
SUMMARY
I sound like a broken record, but this could be another win for Mb Stables as he brings Salty Heifer back to the turf. Ava could be on it today through and with the form criss crossing so much it is hard to really be confident about any choice.
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES