Summertime Oaks – Grade 2 – $200.000

SA – 1 1/16 Mile – Dirt

For Fillies Three Years Old

June 3, 2023

Now that the dust has settled after the KY Oaks, some of these fillies are picking up the pieces and moving forward. Two, La Roo and A Lot To Like, competed there, while others like Fire Artiste didn’t quite make the cut. But this field has a few newcomers as well who weren’t involved in the KYO frenzy. Whether they are here to get a fresh start or just a start, SA is the place to watch some of the up-and-coming sophomore fillies this weekend.

Here’s the field:

1 La Roo (Our Athletes)

Back after a fourth-place finish in the KY Oaks, this filly has a win and a place in four starts so far this year. The win came in February in the Santa Ysabel Stakes. She followed that up with a second in the GP Oaks, both at the same distance as this race. Maybe the extra sixteenth mile didn’t agree with her in the KY Oaks. Whatever the case, she is one to be reckoned with in this field.

2 Soviet Spy (Nakamura Stables)

Won the Crescent City Oaks at FG in LA-bred company in March. Last start saw her finish second in optional claimer company and ended a three-race winning streak. In six starts, this filly has never finished off the board. But this is her first foray into graded company. Always gives her best and that just might be enough to get a piece of the purse.

3 Twilight Time (Fractious)

Best performance in graded company to date came in the Pocahontas last September when she finished second by a neck. Dropped in class her last couple of starts and won a CA-bred allowance two starts back. Distance shouldn’t be a problem for this girl, but she is going to have to step it up a bit to win against these.

4 Avengement (Axeman)

Has been very successful in TX-bred company, with two stakes wins. Last out she took she won in unrestricted N1X allowance company by a convincing three lengths over a short field. Expect a big effort out of this one. Could have a say in the outcome.

5 Atomic Woman (Arindel)

Looking for her first win this year. Finished third by a neck in the GP Oaks last out, but you would have to go back to last August for her only win, that in MSW company. Always close, but just doesn’t seem able to seal the deal.

6 Macaneau (Lazy Eye)

The least experienced filly in the field, this one comes in off a maiden win. Connections are expecting a lot. Big step up.

7 Wavy Girl (Saratoga Stud)

Coming in on a three-race winning streak, including the CA Oaks last out. Trying graded for the first time, but she’s working strong at SA and looks ready to take the next step.

8 Fire Artiste (Alydar Stables)

Just missed getting into the KY Oaks, she went in the Eight Belles instead and finished fourth. Her last win came in the Davona Dale in March. Shes two for five this year and seems to be at the top of her game. Remains to be seen if that’s enough to get it done here.

9 A Lot To Like (Riggins Racing)

Finished well up the track in the KY Oaks after putting together a nice campaign that included three in-the-money finishes in KYO qualifying races leading up to the big day. Another one looking for her first win this year. Will have her work cut out for her getting it done here.

10 Abcde (Royalty Racing)

Wired the field in the Any Limit two starts back. Very competitive in optional claiming company. All of this could indicate she’s ready to make the step up in class. Could be the pace setter, but can she stay there to the wire?

Picks: 1-2-8

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES