Gin Gin still being pointed to Kentucky Oaks

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Gin Gin, a well-beaten third in last Saturday’s Grade 3 Gazelle Stakes, remains on course for a start in the Kentucky Oaks, trainer Brad Cox said.

Gin Gin basically qualified for the Oaks with her victory in the Busanda Stakes at Aqueduct on Jan. 13. After finishing third in the Busher Stakes on March 2, Gin Gin was beaten 9 1/4 lengths in the Gazelle by Where’s My Ring.

The horse has already shipped to Churchill Downs to train towards the Oaks.

“I thought she ran well,” Cox said. “I do think she can handle the mile and an eighth. She does finish up in her races and she does have some experience at Churchill Downs. I think she’s going to need some help in there, she needs to get a trip and have some things go her way and we’ll see what happens.”

Gin Gin, a daughter of Hightail owned and bred by Calumet Farm, won a seven-furlong maiden race at Churchill last September.

Cox, who has potential Oaks favorite Tarifa, said he has not yet finalized a rider for Gin Gin.

:: Get the Inside Track with the FREE DRF Morning Line Email Newsletter. Subscribe now.

Ghalia Princess racing future in doubt

Cox had been pointing Ghalia Princess to the Gazelle, but did not enter her after the filly developed a foot injury that has her out of training and her racing future in doubt.

Cox said what originally was thought to be a bruised foot turned into something more significant. Ghalia Princess is at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, a clinic across the street from Belmont Park.

“She’s improved a tremendous amount in the last couple of days, but I don’t know if she’ll make it back,” Cox said. “Hopefully, she makes it to at least be a broodmare.”

Ghalia Princess, a daughter of American Pharoah, won two of her three career starts including the Cicada Stakes by six lengths on March 16. She is owned by Sumaya U.S. Stables.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.