Saez replaces Contreras on Secret Oath for Kentucky Oaks

Luis Saez has the mount on Secret Oath for the May 6 Kentucky Oaks, replacing Luis Contreras, who rode the D. Wayne Lukas-trained filly in her last four starts, ending with a third-place finish in the Arkansas Derby.

Saez’s agent is Kiaran McLaughlin, who was an assistant to Lukas in the 1980s before becoming a highly successful trainer in his own right.

Secret Oath is one of the favorites for the filly classic, along with Echo Zulu, Kathleen O., and Nest. A full gate of 14 is expected.

Nashville sent to Rood and Riddle

Nashville, last of 10 in the Commonwealth on Saturday at Keeneland, was sent this week to the Rood and Riddle equine clinic after scoping clean following his fading finish.

:: For the first time ever, our premium past performances are free! Get free Formulator now!

Trainer Steve Asmussen said Nashville, a 5-year-old horse by Speightstown, was to undergo a thorough examination by Dr. Larry Bramlage on Wednesday morning. “Obviously it was a disappointing effort and we want to make sure everything is okay,” he said.

Nashville holds the Keeneland track record for six furlongs (1:07.89), set in the Perryville Stakes on Breeders’ Cup Saturday 2020. He is 4 for 8 lifetime.

:: Want to start playing with a $510 bankroll and have access to free Formulator? Learn more

* Emmanuel, third as the Blue Grass pacesetter, will be pointed to the June 4 Pennine Ridge on the Belmont Park turf after getting a brief freshening, said trainer Todd Pletcher. Emmanuel was fourth in the Fountain of Youth in his prior start.

* Plans are on hold for Grantham after the colt was scratched from post 12 in the Blue Grass. “Nothing definite as of now,” trainer Mike Maker said Wednesday. Grantham has 21 Derby points, all but one of them from a runner-up finish in the Tampa Bay Derby.