Light One, Deb's Wildcard meet again in Pleasanton Oaks

Eight 3-year-old fillies meet in the $50,000-added Pleasanton Oaks on Sunday in what could be the most contentious stakes race run at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet at the Alameda County Fair. Seven of the eight runners have career-best Beyer Speed Figures ranging from 75 to 79.

The field includes one stakes winner, Deb’s Wildcard, who scored a game win in her dirt debut at Emerald Downs on May 31 in the Seattle Handicap.

Light One, who has hit the board in all six starts; Niassa, who has placed in two $100,000-plus stakes; and Tip Top Lady are all stakes-placed. Light One did not have the best of trips when coming off a layoff of nearly 10 weeks June 4. She broke slowly from the rail and had problems early before settling for third behind today’s rivals Patsy G and Me and Wahine.

Light One and the improving Deb’s Wildcard split decisions in March, with Deb’s Wildcard winning by a neck before Light One turned the tables, winning by 1 1/2 lengths.

Deb’s Wildcard, taking advantage of her California-bred status, then won another first-level optional claimer before her stakes victory, where she passed Ethan’s Baby in the lane and then had to hold on as Ethan’s Baby re-rallied to miss by a nose.

Ricardo Gonzalez, who will ride Deb’s Wildcard again in the Oaks, said he tried to keep his filly in the clear in the Seattle Handicap to avoid getting hit by dirt.

“Deb’s Wildcard is a tough filly,” he said after the victory. “As soon as she felt [Ethan’s Baby coming back], she kicked right back on.”

She’ll have to show similar gameness here.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Light One (Last 3 Beyers: 67-76-74)

◗ She’s hit the board in all six starts and overcame early problems to run third in her comeback. She has had two works since then and could benefit from being drawn outside here.

◗ She’ll be making her dirt debut but should be a factor late.

Deb’s Wildcard (Last 3 Beyers: 78-77-72)

◗ She turned in her best effort in winning the Seattle Handicap in her dirt debut May 31. She has the most wins in the field – four. And she’s hit the board in 8 of 9 starts. She’s split decisions with Light One, who might be favored here. This stalker might get some dirt in her face today.

Patsy G and Me (Last 3 Beyers: 76-75-65)

◗ She has turned things around since moving back to her original barn, showing improvement in each of her past three starts. She, too, is a stalker, and she finished strongly last time in her best start yet.