Full gate of 14 for Oaks even after defections

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The 36 hours prior to the Monday morning post-position draw of the Oaks led to quite a bit of reshuffling of the field, although Churchill still got a full gate of 14 for the filly classic.

Blamed was withdrawn after emerging from a half-mile Saturday breeze at Churchill with what trainer Joel Marr described as a small hairline fracture of her right hind pastern. The injury is not believed to be career-ending.

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Red Ruby, who suffered superficial leg wounds that required stitches in early April in a barn accident at Oaklawn Park, was declared from consideration late Saturday. “We just feel we have missed a bit too much training to expect her to be 100 percent while facing the best fillies in the country,” said trainer Kellyn Gorder.

Also, Amy’s Challenge and Exuberance both were being seriously considered for the Oaks but will not run. Trainer Mac Robertson has opted for the Grade 2 Eight Belles on the Oaks undercard for Amy’s Challenge, and trainer Ian Kruljac said Monday that Exuberance will stay in California.