Kentucky Oaks field remains in flux

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With entries due Monday, the final couple of spots in the Kentucky Oaks starting gate are still undecided, with the statuses of Amy’s Challenge and Red Ruby being key dominoes in how things will eventually fall into place.

Amy’s Challenge, most recently third in the April 13 Fantasy at Oaklawn Park for Novogratz Racing Stables, was scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs no later than Friday after breezing an easy half-mile in about 50 seconds Tuesday at Oaklawn, trainer Mac Robertson said Wednesday by phone.

“We’re leaning toward the Eight Belles,” said Robertson, referring to the seven-furlong race on the May 4 Oaks card. “I’m planning to wait until Monday to decide which race we’ll enter in.”

Amy’s Challenge, if she goes, would add a major dose of speed to the Oaks. The Artie Schiller filly opened huge leads in both the Honeybee, in which she finished second, and the Fantasy.

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As of Wednesday, and in order of preference through qualifying points, these are the 14 3-year-old fillies who would make up the lineup for the Grade 1 Oaks if all go: Midnight Bisou, Monomoy Girl, Sassy Sienna, My Miss Lilly, Chocolate Martini, Coach Rocks, Rayya, Wonder Gadot, Eskimo Kisses, Take Charge Paula, Blamed, Amy’s Challenge, Patrona Margarita, and Classy Act.

An also-eligibles list of up to four fillies can be listed on the program, with scratch time set for the morning of the race.

If Amy’s Challenge or another filly drops out, then Red Ruby could get in the Oaks as the first alternate. Owned by Sandra Sexton and Brandi Nicholson, Red Ruby had been doubtful for the 1 1/8-mile Oaks since she missed the Fantasy after kicking a ladder in her Oaklawn barn in early April, requiring stitches in a hind leg.

But trainer Kellyn Gorder said this week the gray filly has rebounded very well and has been training forwardly at Keeneland, where she was scheduled to breeze to determine whether she will be entered.

“It’s still up in the air,” said Gorder. “But I like what I’ve been seeing. She’s 100 percent sound and her wounds have healed well, so we will probably wait and make a final decision after she breezes. The owners will be discussing it. They are not pressing me to run.”

After Red Ruby, the next alternates are Heavenhasmynikki and Kelly’s Humor. Heavenhasmynikki’s owner, Ron Paolucci, said he definitely wants to run, while Brad Cox, who already has Monomoy Girl and Sassy Sienna in the Oaks, said Kelly’s Humor could be diverted to the Eight Belles.