Northlands: Embellished takes on sharp invaders in Oaks

Hastings-based Overvalued and Castinette Dancer could have their hands full when they take on Embellished in the $50,000 Northlands Oaks at Northlands Park Sunday. The one-mile feature for 3-year-fillies attracted 10 horses and it features a matchup between the top two fillies at Hastings versus the local star Embellished.

Despite missing some training due a bruised foot, Embellished was able to get up in time to edge Maegans Princesses in the $50,000 Chariot Chaser July 9.

“She got there with her will,” said her trainer, Rick Hedge.

Embellished has more than will, she has tons of talent. In six career starts she has crossed the finish line first five times. In her final start as a 2-year-old she beat Caliente Roja by a neck in the one-mile Freedom of City but was disqualified when she drifted out late and interfered with Spirited Winner, who finished third. In the Freedom of City, Embellished didn’t have many options breaking from the rail and she set an honest pace while under pressure most of the way. Hedge expects her to be in a stalking position in the Oaks.

“You can do anything you want with her and it looks like there are three or four horses with speed in the field,” he said. “She is doing really well but those are a couple of nice fillies coming in from Vancouver.”

Overvalued proved she can route with a 2 1/2-length win over Castinette Dancer in the $50,000 Supernaturel at Hastings July 3. Trained by Tracy McCarthy, Overvalued has been in front after the first two calls in all of her races, and three times she’s been able to carry her speed the whole way. She was especially impressive in the Supernaturel, setting honest fractions and then finishing full of run in the 1 1/16-mile feature.

Castinette Dancer easily handled Overvalued in back-to-back 6 1/2-furlong stakes races, the Boulevard Casino and the Emerald Downs at Hastings. She was sent off as the odds-on favorite to win the Supernaturel but she seemed to lose focus when she was forced out a bit on the second turn. Castinette Dancer did make a late move to get up for second but she never was a real threat to the winner. The Northlands Oaks should set up for her, but she will need to work out a trip leaving from post 10 in her first start for trainer Alan May, who takes over for Troy Taylor.

If the expected hot pace develops it could set up nicely for Caliente Rojo, Peaknatacat or Spirited Winner.