Robertson chooses Eight Belles over Oaks for Amy's Challenge

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Amy’s Challenge had enough points to qualify for a start in Friday’s Grade 1, $1 million Kentucky Oaks, but she was entered in the Grade 2, $200,000 Eight Belles Stakes instead. The Eight Belles is run at seven furlongs, a quarter-mile shorter than the Oaks.

“I was just making sure all the [Oaks] favorites were still headed that way,” trainer Mac Robertson said by phone Monday from Oaklawn.

Amy’s Challenge is undefeated in one-turn races and 0 for 2 going two turns. She sped off to open-length leads in the Honeybee and Fantasy stakes at Oaklawn, where she finished second and third, respectively.

“We’ve been trying to rate her going long, but it’s tough to rate a fast horse when you’re the only speed in the race,” Robertson said.

Robertson has named Gary Stevens to ride Amy’s Challenge for the first time.

“We hope to lay second or third,” Robertson said. “She won’t be sent to the front in this race.”

Mia Mischief, who won the Purple Martin Stakes after getting beat a neck by Amy’s Challenge in the Dixie Belle, and Gas Station Sushi, undefeated winner of the Beaumont Stakes, will likely vie for favoritism in the Eight Belles.

Others who were expected to enter the Eight Belles on Monday were Hold Her Tight, Kram, Salt Bae, Shamrock Rose, and Talk Veuve to Me.