Kentucky Oaks likely to have full field of 14
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Derby isn’t the only upcoming Churchill classic involving the frequent mention of “bubble” these days. A capacity gate of 14 for the April 30 Kentucky Oaks remains likely, with at least another handful of fillies on the outside looking in.
As of Friday, and in order of points preference, these were the 14 fillies being listed by Churchill for the 1 1/8-mile Oaks: Search Results, Travel Column, Crazy Beautiful, Pauline’s Pearl, Malathaat, Soothsay, Clairiere, Beautiful Gift, Will’s Secret, Millefeuille, Moraz, Ava’s Grace, Pass the Champagne, and Maracuja. The alternates, in order, are The Grass Is Blue, Competitive Speed, Coach, Souper Sensational, and Moon Swag.
Lukewarm favoritism figures to fall to either Travel Column or Malathaat, both of whom were sent through serious drills this week at Churchill. Malathaat went a half-mile in 49 seconds in a Todd Pletcher team work Thursday, while Travel Column went six furlongs in 1:12.80 on Friday.
Malathaat remained unbeaten in four career starts when along late to win her 3-year-old debut, the April 3 Ashland going 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland.
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“She’s a superstar,” Pletcher said. “We’ll just come back with another maintenance breeze next week. We’re looking forward to stretching her out a little bit more.”
Besides the 14, an also-eligibles list of as many as four fillies can be maintained.
Ward with a hat trick
Wesley Ward broke out of a three-way tie atop the spring-meet trainer standings at Keeneland by sending out three winners Thursday, including Maven ($7) in a front-running score in the nominal allowance feature. Ward also won with a pair of 2-year-olds, Averly Jane ($5) and Kaufymaker ($4), giving him 11 wins through the first nine of 15 programs. Brad Cox and Todd Pletcher were next with 8 wins each.
Ward has won or tied for six Keeneland training titles, all since 2012, with the most recent coming last summer when he tied for the top spot.
◗ Adam Campbell on Thursday notched his first victory as a trainer when Blonde by Nature pulled a $48.20 upset in the fourth race. It also was the first Keeneland win for jockey Javier Padron-Barcenas.