Fantasy Stakes preview

Friday, April 6, 2007
Oaklawn Park - Race 9
1 1/16 Miles
Fantasy Stakes (Grade 2)
3-year-old fillies
Purse $250,000.

COTTON BLOSSOM was hung out three wide every step of the way in the Florida Oaks in her first start of the year, but still had enough to turn back all late challenges. It's conceivable that she'll be even sharper for this assignement, and has the tactical speed to sit a nice ground-saving, pace-tracking trip behind likely pacesetters JAY'S PRINCESS and DEVIL HOUSE. The John Velazquez - Todd Pletcher trainer/jockey combination has been virtually unstoppable in graded stakes races this year.
TIME'S MISTRESS stalked and pounced her way to victory in the Honeybee, and has the home track advantage over the top selection. She may be due to regress following that career-best Beyer. HIGH HEELS draws a cozy inside post, and she got in a bit of traffic trouble when behind Time's Mistress in the Honeybee. She would appreciate a quick pace up front. Jay's Princess takes a huge step up in class, but may attempt to shake loose in the early stages. She shows a stamina-building workout for this race, and is a pace factor at a huge price.
CASH INCLUDED chased the ultra-impressive Rags to Riches in her last two races in Southern California, and should appreciate the class relief presented to her in the third start of the form cycle. She's logical, but it will be interesting to see if she can match her California form in Arkansas. DEVIL HOUSE disappointed in the Honeybee as she offered no resistance to Time's Mistress when that one came calling on the far turn. She may need to rate a bit with Jay's Princess drawn to her inside.

Selections:
1. Cotton Blossom
2. Time's Mistress
3. High Heels