FG Oaks (KYO) (Grade 2)- $400.000 Purse
FG- For Fillies Three Years Old
One Mile and One Sixteenth on the Dirt
March 24, 2018

Last month in the Alexandra, Most Charming finished second in a tight photo to her stable mate, Enoughs Enough. They were paired together in the same race again, but Enoughs Enough would not be herself today. Instead, Most Charming ran a very similar race that she ran here last month and it would be good enough for the win, since her stablemate was no where in sight. The victory gives her 100 points, increasing her total to 130, and putting her on top of the KYO leaderboard. Her trainer, Mb Stables, currently holds the top three spots on the leaderboard, and while that may serve as a frustrating fact to some, it is an accomplished that should be recognized and appreciated, instead of restricted. It’s the first time that Mb Stables has won this race, and the second time that jockey I Ortiz Jr has. The time of the victory was 1:41.85, the third quickest in stake history. Let’s take a look at it!

(1/4 Mile- :23.14)- The race begins with the two fillies to the outside being pushed forward to take the lead. Magic Wheels, from Mcl Stables, is the quickest of them all and claims a length advantage around the opening turn, with The Unburnt a length or so behind her, for Night Mare Racing. Sports Creek starts well for Estero Farms, and sits two lengths off, as the eventual winner, Most Charming runs just to her inside. This was a similar way that Most Charming started in the Alexandra. It would be another length back to Jive Inc’s La Terrifant, with the reigning BC Juvenile Fillies champion behind just ahead of a threesome featuring Diminuendo (Smokey Stover), Enoughs Enough (Mb Stables), and Light From Above (D J C Racing Stables). One Hen (Gdp Inc was within a length), and then it was way back to our trailer, Blue Jeans who had nearly nine lengths to make up already for First Class Stable.

(½ Mile- :46.42)- In front, its still Magic Wheels, who opens up over two lengths in the backstretch, but she starts to have one get closer midway through. It was not one of those who had started well either, and instead came in the form of Light From Above, who ran in the backstretch about the same way as she ran in the homestretch at the Alexandra last month. She was now about a length back. Most Charming, prior to the advance of Light From Above, had moved up to second while on the rail, and was not bothered by Light From Above’s move, and maintained her position, as did Sports Creek. The Unburnt was showing signs of become leg weary already. A little further back, One Hen assumed the track position in the third lane vacated by Light From Above. This prohibited Enoughs Enough from moving over when La Terrifant started to back up. Diminuendo patiently waited along the rail waiting for her time to strike, as Blue Jeans was still three and a half lengths behind her next closest competitor.

(Top Of Stretch- 2F To Go)- At the front, we had a change for the lead, as Most Charming moved to the outside of Magic Wheels and completed the pass within the turn, and emerged with a half length lead at the top of the stretch. Magic Wheels was starting to fatigue and had no ability to battle Most Charming. Light From Above held steady in third, but seemed to be in jeopardy of losing a couple spots. Sports Creek had not pressed forward, but remained in the mix and loomed as a threat. Diminuendo wisely moved off the rail to avoid getting in trouble with the fading Magic Wheels, and was now two lengths off the lead herself. Further back, Enoughs Enough was having a rough trip, finding herself boxed in around the turn and now at the top of the stretch had the fading The Unburnt backing into her, forcing a critical check up. La Terrifant also seemed boxed in, but not to the same extent. One Hen stayed to their outside with no excuses but did not push forward. Blue Jeans drew closer to the field and would look for the best lane to make her push.

(Finish- 1:41.85)- It was all Most Charming in the stretch. When I Ortiz Jr looked over his shoulder to see how things were unfolding behind him, he had to be thrilled. Those with early speed were falling into the clutches of those moving forward, leading to a wall that was at least eight-wide at one point. Most Charming had that well cleared, and would cruise to the win knowing the others would not have time. Might be worth a note that some did gain on her in the dying moments. A great run was made by Blue Jeans in the stretch, and she may have been a little fortunate for a sizable gap to have opened up along the inside of the track, which is where Most Charming had been. Blue Jeans took this lane, and took it with authority, showing everyone why she is a great closer. It was a nice effort, and she will be exciting to watch in the KYO for sure, Diminuendo ran a smart race, finishing third, and I liked how she carried her speed throughout. One Hen held off La Terrifant for fourth. Sports Creek lacked stretch response, finishing 6th, ahead of Light From Above. Then its Magic Wheels, Enoughs Enough, who had an awful trip, making this race a complete throw out, and The Unburnt.

About The Winner: Most Charming, trained by Mb Stables, and ridden by I Ortiz Jr, is a three year old filly by Engine Failure and out of Sabres Belle (by Bronze Sabre). She was bred in Ontario by Mb Stables as a second quarter two year old, and they have been together throughout. She now has three wins in six starts, two of which are graded stakes. Her career earnings are now $432.650.

Track: Fast
Time: :23   :46²  1:10²  1:41⁴

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 4 – 6 Paid 85.20
$1 Trifecta: 4 – 6 – 1 Paid 76.50

Scratched: Levi Broom

— NS

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES