A pair of much the best winners were on full display in the latest round of Kentucky Oaks 2021 preps. Curlin’s Catch stalked and pounced in a sharp score in the Suncoast Stakes, and Moonlight d’Oro easily reeled in early leader Kalypso in the Las Virgenes (G3) at Santa Anita Park. The latter was found to have bone chips a few days after her Feb. 6 win and is no longer on the Oaks trail.
Kentucky Oaks 2021 Points Race Recaps
Suncoast Stakes – Tampa Bay Downs (2-6-21)
This race was decimated by three scratches including the two favorites (Gulf Coast, Honorifique). Seven sophomore fillies broke from the gate and Be Sneaky tried to steal it on the front end. She was cruising right along for six furlongs or so, but Curlin’s Catch caught the eye. The latter stalked inside, moved up decisively around the far turn, found a seam and burst clear to win by 4+ lengths. Be Sneaky did not know what hit her but she maintained her composure and dug in gamely for the place. Il Malocchio was 3rd and Special Princess was 4th. Feeling Mischief, Roll Up Mo Money, and Scenic Overlook trailed. This was not a fast race but winner Curlin’s Catch is an Ontario-bred, and she may be able to make some noise later this year at Woodbine on the road to the Queen’s Plate.
Las Virgenes (G3) – Santa Anita Park (2-6-21)
In this one mile race for sophomore fillies, Moonlight d’Oro pretty much dominated. I picked her on top in my Oaks prep video race of the week and you can watch it below. Kalypso controlled the pace and Flavien Prat was content to sit back in last of five aboard Moonlight d’Oro. The latter cruised up while racing wide and ran past Kalypso at the top of the lane. She remained clear in the stretch and scored by a comfortable length and a half. Kalypso never stopped trying but was second best on this day. Moraz stalked inside and was best of the rest in 3rd. Brilliant Cut and Honor America trailed. Unfortunately, Moonlight d’Oro was diagnosed with bone chips a few days after her Las Virgenes victory. The injury will require surgery and she is off the Kentucky Oaks trail.
————–
Kentucky Oaks Points Leaders (through Las Virgenes 2-6-21)
24 Points: Vequist
18 Points: Dayoutoftheoffice, Kalypso
14 Points: Girl Daddy, Varda
13 Points: Simply Ravishing
12 Points: Travel Column
10 Points: Curlin’s Catch, Malathaat, The Grass Is Blue, Will’s Secret, Zaajel
8 Points: Crazy Beautiful
6 Points: Coach
4 Points: Be Sneaky, Clairiere, Coffee Bar, Frosteria, Lady Traveler, Millefeuille, Souper Sensational
3 Points: Brilliant Cut, Joy’s Rocket
2 Points: Alexandria, Cilla, Diamond Ore, Il Malocchio, Malibu Curl, Miss Costa Rica, Moon Swag, Moraz, Nasreddine, Wholebodemeister
1 Point: Astute, Cafe Society, Dial To Win, Illumination, Queengol, Special Princess, Sun Path, Sylvia Q, Thoughtfully, Traffic Lane, Xtrema
———–
Upcoming Kentucky Oaks 2021 Points Races
Rachel Alexandra (50-20-10-5) – Feb. 13
UAE Oaks (50-20-10-5) – Feb. 18
Cincinnati Trophy (10-4-2-1) – Feb. 26
Davona Dale (50-20-10-5) – Feb. 27
Busher (50-20-10-5) – March 6
Honeybee (50-20-10-5) – March 6
Santa Ysabel (50-20-10-5) – March 7
FG Oaks (100-40-20-10) – March 20
Bourbonette Oaks (20-8-4-2) – March 27
GP Oaks (100-40-20-10) – March 27
SA Oaks (100-40-20-10) – April 3
Gazelle (100-40-20-10) – April 3
Ashland (100-40-20-10) – April 3
Beaumont (10-4-2-1) – April 3
Fantasy (100-40-20-10) – April 3
————–
Jarrod Horak’s Fabulous Five Kentucky Oaks 2021 Contenders (2-10-21)
#1 – TRAVEL COLUMN – Golden Rod (G2) winner goes next in Rachel Alexandra Feb. 13.
#2 – CLAIRIERE – Golden Rod runner-up meets Travel Column again at FG Feb. 13.
#3 – VEQUIST – Champion 2-Year-Old Filly worked 5f in Florida Jan. 30.
#4 – MISS BRAZIL – Easy front running win vs. two rivals in her Ruthless return Feb. 8.
#5 – SLUMBER PARTY – Strong 7f debut romp at GP Jan. 24. Returned to worktab Feb. 6.
Article by Jarrod Horak
