DEL Oaks – Grade III
DEL   Race #2   1 1/16m   Dirt   Graded Stake
Purse $300.000  For Fillies Three Years Old.

1 Notarized Kate, rained by Pristine Stables
Although this field has come up a bit short it does have this filly in it which adds
plenty of value to the race. A winner of the grade one Ashland she then ran an absolute
cracker in the KY Oaks finishing like a train  to be a very close second. Probably
the performance of her career but that was equalled last time out when she started in
the car park but finished well to be third beaten less than a length in the Acorn.
She stays forever and has a rare turn of foot that will be suited by a small field
unless the pace comes up very slow.

2 Known To Profit, trained by Nakamura Stables
Another that likes coming from off the pace she has been running well without reaching
the heights of Notarized Kate. She ran a close up fifth in the Eight Belles before another
strong run when second in The Royal Palm. Both of those runs were over a shorter trip
but i think she should see out the extra trip today. A sound chance but will struggle on
levels to beat the top pick.

3 Traffic Issues, trained by Mb Stables
emerged as yet another classy three year old in the packed Mb Stables yard when taking the
Bourbonette Oaks by an easy two lengths. That was a big performance and she was confidently
expected to get in the frame in The Black Eyed Susan Stakes but disappointed a little when
coming in sixth. She got a fair way back that day and the early pace didnt really suit her
so i expect much better today and with a sub 1.37 work she looks the main danger to Notorized
Kate.

4 Art Of Glory, trained by John Henry
This trainer has been buying up a storm recently and this is one of many that he bought from
the successful Blushing Meadows Stable. She won the grade three Fantasy really well but after
qualifying for the KY Oaks she ran poorly to be twelfth. She had a chance to redeem herself in
the Acorn last time but although only beaten two lengths could only manage eighth. Not a bad
sort but looks to be fighting for third spot.

5 Thats Mean, trained by D J C Racing Stables
Rounding out the field this is another who is capable of a big show but form lines through the
Bourbonette Oaks give her a bit to find if she is going to win. A good victory in The Jersey Girl
last time highlights her chances especially if she gets the wide gate speed push and sets a below
average pace.

SUMMARY
With no obvious pace maker in the field this may turn out to be a falsely paced race and that worries
me in picking the obvious choice in Notorized Kate. She should win this but she has a habit of leaving
things very late and a slow pace may scupper that. The rests are pretty close with Traffic Issues looking
second best but i really wouldnt be surprised to see one of the others dictating the pace and coming up
with a shock win.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES