Gulfstream Oaks a pivotal race for Tequilita

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – With the sensational filly Unique Bella sidelined by injury, the Kentucky Oaks has become a wide-open event. Some of those looking for a starring role in that $1 million race at Churchill Downs on May 5 will be auditioning Saturday in the Grade 2, $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks.

Tequilita, a winner of three consecutive races, including the Grade 2 Forward Gal here on Feb. 4, will attempt two turns for the first time in the 1 1/16-mile Gulfstream Oaks. Tequilita, trained by Michael Matz for his wife, Dorothy, is by Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags and out of Sangrita, who was a Grade 2 winner at a mile.

“She’s done everything we’ve asked her to do except go two turns,” Michael Matz said Wednesday. “I thought this would be a good plan to see if she can get the two turns. If she doesn’t get the two turns, we know we got a nice horse, and they have a couple of nice races at Saratoga going seven-eighths.”

Matz was referring to the Test and Ballerina, both Grade 1 events.

Matz said the key to Tequilita’s success would be getting her to relax behind horses. That will be the job of jockey Luis Saez.

“It looks like there’s going to be enough speed in the race,” Matz said.

A field of nine was expected to be entered in the Gulfstream Oaks when entries closed Wednesday afternoon. Trainer Todd Pletcher entered Nonna Bella, 2 for 2 sprinting, but said he would examine the field before deciding whether to run her. He said the Ashland or the Beaumont, both at Keeneland, are possible for Nonna Bella if she doesn’t run Saturday. The Beaumont is run at seven furlongs.

Jordan’s Henny, second in the Davona Dale, could be the main threat to Tequilita. Others who were entered include Salty and Summer Luck from the barn of Mark Casse, Spring Mist, Shezaprado, Modacious, and the maiden Conquest Sorceror.