Manama Gold, winner of UAE Oaks, possible for Kentucky Oaks
Manama Gold's career journey has taken her from her birthplace in Louisiana to changing hands at sales in Kentucky and Florida, to the Middle East to begin her career – and now, to Churchill Downs, potentially for a major event.
Trainer Todd Pletcher told Churchill Downs publicity on Sunday that Manama Gold, who won the Group 3 UAE Oaks in her most recent outing, has been transferred to his care, and is “possible” to supplement to the Kentucky Oaks. The filly is scheduled to arrive at his Churchill Downs barn on Monday.
If Manama Gold is supplemented to the Kentucky Oaks for $25,000 when entries close on April 27, the 50 points she earned for winning the UAE Oaks would come into play. She would squeeze into the final slot in the 14-horse field, with her $90,000 in unrestricted stakes earnings giving her the tiebreaker over Fair Grounds Oaks runner-up Our Pretty Woman, who has 50 points and $80,000 in earnings. Next on the preference list is Candied, with 34 points.
Manama Gold, a Star Guitar filly bred in Louisiana by Brittlyn, Inc., was a $100,000 Keeneland September yearling, and then a $200,000 Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. spring sale pinhook, at $200,000 to Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock. Racing in the name of Victorious and trained by Fawzi Nass, she debuted in December and has won all three of her starts. Most recently, she took the Feb. 23 UAE Oaks at 1 3/16 miles.

