The CCA Oaks – Grade I

1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $500.00 Filly 3 Year Olds

1st        Pineapple Puff              Nakamura Stables     Centeno D E                  1:48.41

She may have been a very short priced favorite today and had the best form by at least three lengths but the race engine today was dealing the cards to the closers and she very nearly got beat. She won the Acorn in a much faster time by an easy two lengths over this course and distance last time out so this should’ve been a walk in the park. But, the race engine is in charge here at HRP and today despite an easy stalk she had to fight all the way to the line to hold on to the win.

She won against the grain today which may be much better than the short margin she held on by and she would still be among the favorites for the Distaff in a few months.           

2nd       Three Sixes                     Pan Farms                      Bejarano R                      1:48.45

As a deep closer she has never won a graded stakes and todays pace did not look strong enough for her to get within the three lengths she was beaten by Pineapple Puff in the KYO. Today however the switch was thrown and the closers were all given their chance by the race engine and she very nearly pulled it off.

She is a very good and progressive filly who looks to have a bright future but that racing style is always going to be her biggest enemy.        

3rd        Facts Of Love                Alydar Stables              Ortiz J L                             1:48.57

Held a good enough position and ran on well but could never get in a blow at the first two. She is definitely worth this grade one placing and improving enough to convince me her time will come.     

4th        Real Tactics                   Mb Stables                     Lezcano J                        1:48.64

In true HRP style there was only four lengths between all the runners today and when this one wrestled the early lead it looked to be her best chance of winning. On another day when average speed was unbeatable she may well have held on but today the engine was playing to closers and she was run down pretty easily at the end. A good filly over pretty much ant trip she will keep being a threat wherever she goes.   

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES