Devine Aida joins Gulfstream Oaks cast

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Devine Aida seemed destined for graded stakes on turf. Then the skies opened up, and heavy rain forced the Feb. 28 Herecomesthebride Stakes from turf to dirt.

When Devine Aida romped to a 6 3/4-length victory in the Herecomesthebride, it opened up further dirt possibilities for the daughter of Unbridled’s Song. On Wednesday, she was supplemented to Saturday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks, one of seven stakes on the undercard of Saturday’s 14-race Florida Derby program.

Devine Aida, a winner of four consecutive races, was among eight 3-year-old fillies entered in the Oaks, a 1 1/16-mile race that offers 170 qualifying points to the top four finishers (100-40-20-10) toward the $1 million Kentucky Oaks on May 1. Devine Aida was not nominated to the Kentucky Oaks by the February deadline but could be a late nominee for a $1,500 fee if paid by April 8.

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Devine Aida, whose dam, Passion, was 3 for 3 on turf, has won twice each on turf and dirt. Her connections believe surface isn’t an issue.

“She has been so good on every surface that it’s not something we’re really worried about,” said David Merida, assistant to trainer Ramon Morales. “I think she’s very talented. She’s won easily on the grass. She’s won easily on dirt and in the slop. According to speed figures, her best figure was the very first time she won on dirt at Gulfstream Park West. We know she’s talented. We don’t know how talented she is. This is going to be her biggest test yet.”

Devine Aida will meet the top three finishers from the Grade 2 Davona Dale – Ekati’s Phaeton, Birdatthewire, and Eskenformoney – as well as Cristina’s Journey and Danessa Deluxe, fillies who are making their 3-year-old debut in this spot. Holywell and Sweet Swingin round out the field.