Oaklawn Park: Sims hopes Lady Diva Ga Ga wakes up

Trainer Phil Sims hopes it will be show time for Lady Diva Ga Ga in Friday’s featured 10th race at Oaklawn Park. Lady Diva Ga Ga, who had a memorable meet a year ago, has been a bit like her famous namesake this season – unpredictable. Lady Diva Ga Ga is searching for her first win of the meet in the optional $50,000 claiming sprint for fillies and mares at six furlongs. A competitive group will go, including Grade 3 winner Blueeyesintherein and multiple stakes winners American Sugar, Bryan’s Jewel, and Lasting Bubbles.

Lady Diva Ga Ga won back-to-back optional-claiming races last year at Oaklawn, then was third in the $60,000 Spring Fever while earning some of her best career Beyer Speed Figures. Sims would like to see her recapture that kind of form Friday.

“I was talking to Wayne Lukas. He trained her father, Exchange Rate,” Sims said. “I picked Wayne’s brain. I said, ‘How was Exchange Rate?’ Because when [Lady Diva Ga Ga’s] on, she’s on, then she’ll kind of go in a lull, and then she’ll come back. He said Exchange Rate was the same way.

“She’s training well and had a little bit of time in between races. I think, hopefully, she’s getting back to her old self again.”

Alex Birzer has the mount on Lady Diva Ga Ga, who has tactical speed and could get a tracking trip behind Mysterious Chimes and Chortle. Lady Diva Ga Ga races for Nelson McMakin and Fred Dolezal.

◗ Trainer Mark Casse said millionaire Dixie Strike, who earlier this meet was second in the $100,000 Bayakoa, is targeting the Grade 3 Doubledogdare at Keeneland.