Oaklawn Park: On Fire Baby will head directly to Kentucky Oaks

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - On Fire Baby will make her next start in the Kentucky Oaks, trainer Gary Hartlage said on Thursday morning. The filly had been under consideration for both the Grade 2, $300,000 Fantasy on Wednesday, April 11, and the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby on April 14. Both races are at Oaklawn Park.

Hartlage said owner Anita Cauley made the decision.“She wanted a fresh horse for the Kentucky Oaks,” Hartlage said.

The Grade 1, $1 million Kentucky Oaks is at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 4.

On Fire Baby won the Grade 3, $125,000 Honeybee at Oaklawn Park in her last start on March 10. She could work one more time at Oaklawn before heading to Churchill.

Hartlage said On Fire Baby would not be entered in either the Fantasy or the Arkansas Derby. On Fire Baby won the Grade 2 Pocahontas and Grade 2 Golden Rod at Churchill last fall.