Eskenformoney tunes up for Kentucky Oaks

At Palm Beach Downs on Friday, trainer Todd Pletcher sent out his Kentucky Oaks hopeful Eskenformoney to breeze an easy four furlongs in 49.58 seconds in company with Curalina.

The pair cruised through an easy opening quarter-mile in 26.06 with Eskenformoney nearest the rail. Pletcher asked his riders to pick up the pace at that point, the duo coming home in 23.55 with Curalina sticking her head in front right at the wire but while under considerably more pressure to finish than Eskenformoney, who was well held at the end. The pair then galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.63.

Eskenformoney finished third in the Grade 2 Davona Dale and second in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks after opening her 3-year-old campaign with an easy allowance win at Gulfstream Park.

“Went off easy, finished up strong, pretty good gallop-out, typical of what we’ve come to expect from this filly,” said Pletcher. “She’s a very fit filly, has had a very steady campaign. We’re just trying to keep her fresh and happy.”

Eskenformoney is scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs on Tuesday and will have one last work next weekend prior to the May 1 Oaks.