Clairiere and Travel Column to take rivalry to Fair Grounds Oaks

Clairiere and Travel Column are tied one apiece, with Travel Column running down Clairiere in the Golden Rod Stakes last fall at Churchill Downs, and Clairiere running down Travel Column on Saturday in the Rachel Alexandra. Both 3-year-old fillies are likely starters March 20 in the Fair Grounds Oaks, and if things go as their connections hope, they’re likely to meet again in the Kentucky Oaks.

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Clairiere was nominated to the Triple Crown by her owner, Stonestreet Thoroughbreds, but trainer Steve Asmussen said his focus for now is on races for fillies. Joe Talamo rode Clairiere for the first time and gave her a beautiful trip, creeping into position down the backstretch after Clairiere, as is her wont, started slowly, and sneaking up behind Travel Column before running her down in the final furlong. Travel Column tried to battle back but was beaten a neck as Clairiere ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.34, earning an 85 Beyer Speed Figure.

“She was excellent today,” Asmussen said. “Joe was crazy about how responsive she was for him.”

Travel Column was the even-money favorite and might have slightly disappointed, given the rave reviews her recent team workouts with champion 2-year-old colt Essential Quality had drawn by Fair Grounds onlookers.

“I thought she ran really well first race off a freshening,” said trainer Brad Cox. “She’ll move forward next time.”

So should Clairiere. Let the rivalry continue.