CT Oaks – Grade II

    CT             Race #4                7f              Dirt                      Graded Stake

Purse $750.00  For Fillies Three Years Old.

1. Zifi – Reliable, Fit, and Trending Up

Form

Zifi has been consistently running 89–95 figs all season, and her last two starts show a clear upward curve. The LS allowance win (89 fig) was stronger than the number suggests—she travelled smoothly and finished with authority. Her spring G2 efforts were honest but not quite top tier; however, she’s clearly sharper now.

Works

Her worktab is excellent and consistent:

• 21 Aug PRX – 6f 1:10.3 (5/47) → Strong, purposeful move, signals readiness.
• 13 Aug MTH – 6f 1:10.4 (10/73) → Reinforces fitness.
• 6 Aug MTH – 6f 1:11 (16/78) → Steady conditioning.
• 17 Jul DMR – 6f turf 1:10.2 → Shows versatility and stamina.

Summary

This is not the flashiest of fillies in this powerhouse barn but she is good enough and gets the favor of the inside gate here making her a chance in anyone’s books. The trip maybe a bit on the sharp side for her but the inside gate should allow her an easy trip on or near the speed and lets face it this stable seems to win most races that are worth over $500 so it would seem a safe bet to just pick this one and go no further.

2. Keimars Mistress – Sharpest Workhorse in the Field

Form

Seven wins from eleven starts tells the story. She’s in career‑best form, with a 96 fig last out at ELP where she dominated late. Her formline this season is 5 wins, 2 seconds—no regression anywhere.

Works

Her works are fast and purposeful, showing a filly thriving:

• 14 Jul LS – 6f 1:10.3 (1/2) → Bullet; huge signal.
• 3 Jun LS – 6f 1:10.3 (2/7) → Reinforces high cruising speed.
• 4 May LS – 6f 1:11 (3/9) → Maintains fitness.
• 14 Mar HOU – 6f 1:11 (2/2) → Early-season sharpness.

Summary

I love a horse that is proven over the seven furlongs because this is one of those in between trips that can trip up some. She was huge last time in the Audubon Oaks and whilst it wasn’t the best field she couldn’t have won more impressively. The winner of seven of her eleven starts she has finally been given rein at the top level and she could well take the step in her stride.

3. Exciting – The Class Horse With Elite Conditioning

Form

Exciting has never run a bad race. Her graded form is rock solid, with repeated 94–96 figs at 8.5–9f. She’s a grinder who always finishes and has danced every dance this season.

Works

Her work pattern is strong, steady, and professional:

• 24 Aug CT – 6f 1:10.4 (2/6) → Excellent final prep.
• 13 Aug PEN – 6f turf 1:10.2 (2/5) → Shows fitness and adaptability.
• 31 Jul PEN – 6f 1:11 (1/9) → Sharp.
• 22 Jul CT – 7f 1:23.1 (1/1) → Big stamina-building drill.

Summary

Exciting is fully cranked, with long, stamina-focused works that match her grinding style. She’s the most reliable filly in the field having already won at this level. She is proven in every way and loves the trip, another big winning chance.

4. Lady Lobo – Monster Works, Mixed Form

Form

Lady Lobo has run two 96 figs this year, showing she has top-end ability. But she’s inconsistent—sometimes breaks poorly, sometimes flattens late. Still, her ceiling is high.

Works

Her worktab is exceptional, arguably the best in the field:

• 18 Aug DMR – 7f 1:23 (2/79) → Huge move; elite.
• 8 Aug DMR – 1m 1:37.1 (15/193) → Serious stamina.
• 18 Jul DMR – 7f 1:23.4 (14/59) → Strong.
• 12 Jul DMR – 1m 1:37.2 (11/57) → Confirms deep conditioning.

Summary

Straight out of the Riggins Racing liquidation sale and straight to the track, the new owner will be looking for a performance today. A grade one winning two year old she has had a stalled season having stopped racing after nearly winning the Black Eyed Susan in May but continuing strong works is enough to think she is ready for this. $725 could be the bargain of the year if she wins this with November beckoning.

5. Sod Fairy – Honest Form, Very Strong Recent Works

Form

Sod Fairy has been consistent all year, with a G3 second (96 fig) and a solid WO Oaks run. She’s not quite as explosive as the top three, but she’s reliable and tactical.

Works

Her recent works are excellent:

• 21 Aug CT – 6f 1:10.2 (1/15) → Bullet; huge sign.
• 18 Aug CT – 7f 1:23 (1/1) → Strong stamina drill.
• 12 Aug DMR – 6f 1:10.3 (4/77) → Sharp.
• 7 Aug DMR – 6f 1:10.4 (20/223) → Good maintenance.

Summary

Sod Fairy is training extremely well, better than her form might suggest. She’s a live outsider who is probably flying a little under the radar here. She has been known to miss away in the past and she did that in the WO Oaks last time making some late ground for third. The small field should help her get closer to the lead today and a decent effort can be expected.

6. All Or Nothing – Improving Form, Mixed Work Pattern

Form

Her form is improving, with a 93 fig at KEE and a strong SAR sprint effort. But she doesn’t finish races as strongly as the top group.

Works

Her works are fast but inconsistent:

• 2 Aug MTH – 5f :58.2 (4/28) → Very sharp.
• 3 Jul PRX – 6f 1:10.4 (9/46) → Good.
• 13 Apr AQU – 6f 1:11 (7/24) → Solid.
• 20 Mar AQU – 6f 1:11.2 (13/34) → Average.

Summary

All Or Nothing is fit and sharp, but her works don’t show the same depth or stamina as the top contenders. The wide gate speed push will likely see her push forward and with a smaller field she has chances of clearing them. There are, however a few that wasn’t to be on pace here and that could make it tough. If she can get away with the sectionals in front she will be right there in the stretch.

Race SUMMARY

This is a tight race between some nice three-year-olds but the key about this distance for me at least is that it lends itself to those that specialize. Keimars Mistress ticks the boxes for me and whilst she may not be the best filly in this race over a mile plus I do feel that this is her specialty. Lady Lobo will likely find this too short but she has a ton of class and will be dangerous late. Sod Fairy is another that has won well over this trip and may be the biggest danger.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES