GP Oaks – Grade 2 – $250.000

GP – 1 1/16 Mile – Dirt

For Fillies Three Years Old

This race has a rich history, going all the way back to 2004 when Outrageous Nevada won the GP Oaks for Deez Racing Stable and went on to win the KYO (called the Kentucky Oaks back then). Ashtons Pride (Waldo) and Funky Music (Paradise Stable) did the same thing. Many others went on to the KYO and performed well, so this race definitely has KYO implications with its 100-point prize.

Here is this year’s field of fillies:

1 Fire Artiste (Alydar Stables)

Comes in off a win in the Davona Dale (Grade 2) last out at a mile, the farthest she’s ever run. Currently #8 on the KYO qualifying list with 54 points. Looking to add more here. She looks in top form and a win wouldn’t be a surprise.

2 Atomic Woman (Arindel)

No points for this lady so far, and with only a maiden win under her belt, I don’t like her chances at the big payoff, which she will need if she’s going to be in the gate the first Friday in May.

3 La Roo (Our Athletes)

Big win in the Santa Ysabel Stakes (Grade 3) last out helped land her at #10 with 50 total points. That was her third try in graded company and the first time she hit the board at that level. Remains to be seen if she’s turned a corner, but I like her chances to get at least some of those KYO points.

4 So Blitz (Asgar)

Finished second and third in her last two starts in stakes company. She’s #19 with 23 points, so she’s another one that needs that big 50 for first. But she’s going to need to step up a bit to win against these.

5 Power Ranking (LionKing Stables)

Back-to-back wins coming in, but both were claimers. Don’t see her competing with these, but anything can happen and that’s why we play the game.

6 Toppifiant (Our Athletes)

A very close third in the Davona Dale (Grade 2) last out. Has 15 points so far, so a win here would put her in the starting gate. She’s been very strong in stakes and optional claimer company and nearly made the step up to graded last start. Definitely one to watch.

7 Be Exceptional (TwinTowersRacing)

Another one that really needs some points in here. Her total stands at 13. But even though she finished second in the G1 Starlet three back, I don’t see her getting the win here. But she could add to her total a bit.

8 Puka Time (RNP Stables)

Only a maiden win for this one, too. Finished a close third last out in the Herecomesthebride Stakes (Grade 3). No points for her and she is going to need a big effort to win against these.

9 Acapulco Tradition (Smokey Stover)

Undefeated in two starts, but this is her first foray into stakes competition. Add to that the fact that she has never gone beyond 6 ½ furlongs, and I don’t see a path to the winner’s circle for this girl.

10 Untidy (Mb Stables)

Won the Jerome against the boys, then switched back to run against the fillies in the Alexandra (Grade 2) and finished fourth. At #25 with 20 points, those 50 points for first would make a huge difference in getting her into the gate in the KY Oaks. She could get there with a good trip.

11 Bourbon West Party (Mb Stables)

She had her ups and downs as a two-year-old with a second in the Spinaway (Grade 1) followed by a tenth in the Frizette (Grade 1). But she followed that up with two second place finishes, one in stakes company. Another one with no points dreaming of a victory and those 50 points.

Picks: 1-6-10

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES