Zenovit clearly best in Washington Oaks

AUBURN, Wash. – Zenovit moved to the front of the Emerald Downs 3-year-old filly class with an impressive victory Saturday in the $75,000 Washington Oaks.

The sixth wagering choice in an 11-horse field, Zenovit stalked My Untamed Heart’s fast pace, moved up to take command on the second turn and quickly drew off to win by 2 1/4 lengths. Ridden by Ricky Frazier for trainer Larry Ross, she ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.40 and paid $17.60.

Private Fortune, a 45-1 outsider, rallied strongly to finish second, six lengths in front of Soul Custody in a strung-out field. They were followed in order by Dearest Princess, Otero, 3-1 favorite Rewritten, My Untamed Heart, Lilly’s a Jewel, Runaway Speed, Sky Tribute, and Sis’s Sis.

Zenovit, a homebred for owners Dana Claxton and Gail and Gerald Schneider of Auburn, Wash., won for the first time in four starts this year. By Private Gold, a son of Seeking the Gold, from the Cahill Road mare Cahillina, Zenovit earned $41,250, increasing her lifetime mark to $76,338.

A two-time winner last year at 2, Zenovit finished a close third June 6 in the one-mile Irish Day Handicap in her first route attempt. After a two-month layoff, she tuned up for the Oaks in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race Aug. 1, finishing a fast-closing second behind Runaway Speed. Ross timed everything just right, because Zenovit was much the best in the Oaks.

“I knew there would be a possibility of some horses closing, but I didn’t hear anybody coming,” Frazier said. “I was full of run. I wasn’t sure if she could handle the distance, but I had to hope for the best.”