What an outstanding group of sophomore ladies we have set to go the classic mile and a quarter distance on the inner turf course in the 2016 BEL Oaks (GI) with an instant ticket to BC Day.  We have a full field of fourteen and a pair on the AE list, so this should be an interesting race.

I’m going to look for Congratulations to return to the winner’s circle off of that nice win at SA in the Gamely (GI) last out.  She was 29/1 in that race, and I don’t think you’ll get anything close to that in this one, but she is a horse that seems to be in her best form after coming back to the turf course.  Her running style of sitting just off of the pace should serve her well with this large field and I think she will have what it takes to get the distance as well.

Let’s put Viking Amy in the second spot… she looked good taking that flat mile graded stakes at SA in her most recent effort, and she’s another that has tactical speed and looks like she may need a little urging to get the distance.  She did come running late in The Herecomesthebride (GIII) at GP even though she was forwardly placed in most of that race.

I like both Command And Conquer and Ghost Runner, but with both of them being way outside in this huge field, I’m just not sure that they can both get the trip necessary to be in the running late.  Still, I look for one of them to be able to use their speed and running style to secure a decent spot and make a big run when the money is on the line.

With a big field like this, anything could happen and between pace and trip, it’s going to be a tough one.

            Willie’s Green Card    2  /  9  /  13-14

Categories: Grade I