7/16/22

   7   SAR     The CCA Oaks (GI)

          $500.000    3yoF      1 1/8m   Dirt    3yo 122lbs   

Coming into Saturday’s CCA Oaks (GI), it was pretty obvious that Karloffs Monster had run some huge races.  The question was, did she like running with the boys more than the gals… question asked, question answered.  The Twin TowersRacing trained monster, sat just behind the pace in this huge race, then showed a ton of heart and determination to hold off all challenges, taking the mile and an eighth stakes by three-quarters of a length, while getting the distance in 1:48² on the fast Spa main track.  Feliz Cumpleanos closed a late gap to make a heck of a race out of it, with Exactly setting the early pace only to get a bit weary late, settling for the third money.  Grande Sunset missed the head-bob for third and claimed the minor money. 

The field loaded into the gate right at the start/finish line, the flag went up… and away and running in The CCA Oaks (GI) with Exactly showing early speed, Karloffs Monster just to her inside, a gap back to the trio of Grande Sunset, Catori between horses and Feliz Cumpleanos on the outside, then another gap to the trailing trio of Jessicas Secret on the inside of Garmine between horses and Derby Connection on the outside.

The short run to the clubhouse turn, and now moving around the turn and nearing the backside, six and a half furlongs to run and Exactly showing the way by two lengths.  Karloffs Monster still tracking the pace but determined not to get in a speed duel, another length back to Catori on the outside of Derby Connection, Grande Sunset on the rail, another length back to Feliz Cumpleanos, the a gap back to the trailers… Jessicas Secret and Garmine.

Down the back-side and moving into the far turn with a bit more than three and a half furlongs to travel, Exactly still showing the way, but Derby Connections was now rocketing towards the front, Karloffs Monster in behind that duo, with Catori on her outside.  A gap back to Grande Sunset along the inside, then another gap to Feliz Cumpleanos.  Jessicas Secret and Gamine continued to trail.

Swing around the turn and into the lane, they moved past the three-sixteenth’s pole and Exactly continued to show the way… but as Derby Connection backed out of it, Karloffs Monster moved up quickly to apply the pressure.  Derby Connections with Catori on her outside, back down towards the inside for Grande Sunset, out widest for Feliz Cumpleanos then a gap back to Jessicas Secret and Gamine.

Down the lane and to the finish… at the furlong marker, Karloffs Monster moved up quickly to look Exactly in the eye and she went right on by that oneFeliz Cumpleanos was flying down the outside as the rest were staggering towards the finish, but in the shadow of the wire, this was Karloffs Monster, holding off the late charge from Felize Cumpleanos for the wins.  The later taking the second spot with Exactly in third and Grande Sunset a nose back in fourth.  Catori was fifth, Derby Connection sixth, Jessicas Secret seventh and Gamine closed this one out. 

Karloffs Monster is a 3yo bay filly by Bo Judge – Starship Creepshow, by Starship Command, and she was bred in KY by her owner, Twin TowersRacing.  This was her third win from twelve starts, and she now has lifetime earnings of $741.200.  Congrats to the Connections!

$2 Mutuel Prices:

Track: Fast           Time: :47²  1:11¹  1:35⁴  1:48²
$1 Exacta: 4 – 8 Paid 84.50         $1 Trifecta: 4 – 8 – 6 Paid 555.30
Scratched: None

Karloffs Monster pressed the early pace, taken back to stalk while saving ground, responded when asked late in the turn and into the lane, reached the leader at the furlong pole, went clear and held off a late charge to secure the win.  Feliz Cumpleanos lacked interest until asked into the far turn, went wide through the far turn and closed widest of all to make give the winner a tussle.  Exactly broke alertly, set the pace to the furlong marker, could not go on, just held on for the show.  Grande Sunset used a ground saving trip to stay close, no excuse.  Catori raced evenly throughout.  Derby Connection off a step slow, rushed up entering the back stretch, pressed the leader to the furlong pole, tired.  Jessicas Secret was never involved.  Gamine was outrun. 

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES