FG Oaks – Grade 2 – $400.000

FG – 1 1/16 Mile – Dirt

For Fillies Three Years Old

March 25, 2023

When you’ve got the kind of ability Shadow State has, it’s hard to be humble. In only four starts, this filly has rocketed her way to the top of the FYO qualifying list and has to be considered the early favorite to take that prize.

Shadow State broke a bit slowly, but it didn’t take her long to move into contention. She stalked the field every step of the way, took control in the stretch, and fended off a late charge by Scarlett Dream to win by a neck in a thriller.

Complete order of finish:

1 Shadow State (Smokey Stover) – Tracked the leaders throughout and took the lead in the stretch

2 Scarlett Dream (Arindel) – Blocked down the lane; managed to make a big late run for second

3 Shining At Knight (Our Athlees) – Came on late to take third

4 Lucky Star (Calia Stable) – Second early; faded to fourth in the stretch

5 Niagra Keys (Alydar Stables) – Trailed throughout; made a move late but could do no better than fifth

6 Neon Red (Big Guns Stables) – Never involved

7 Up She Flew (Aer Stables) – Lost ground late; never a factor

8 With Crinimals (Big Guns Stables) Led at every call but the last; faded badly to finish eighth

9 Forlorn Hope (TwinTowersRacing) – Never involved

Shadow State was bred in CAL by owner Smokey Stover. The daughter of Great State out of Shadow Island (Neon Wolf) has now won three of her four starts and has collected 156 KYO points. Her career earnings stand at $464.240. Congratulations to Shadow State and Smokey Stover!

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES