J'espere draws off in Queen's City Oaks

J'espere came from far back early to draw off late and win the $100,000 Queen City Oaks against seven other 3-year-old Ohio-bred fillies at River Downs.

Under jockey Julio Felix, J'espere ($30) had only one horse beat in the second turn of the 1 1/8-mile Oaks, before circling the field and drawing off to win by 3 1/2 lengths. It was only the second lifetime win for the Brad Sparks charge, and she completed the distance in 1:58.20.

Pyrite Marci, part of a Miguel Feliciano-trained entry, held on for second, a head in front of Part Girlie Girl. The other part of the even-money entry, Formal Arrangement, tired to run fourth after leading at the top of the stretch.