This is the final week of Kentucky Oaks 2021 preps, and it is a busy one with five points races on the docket. Historically, Keeneland’s Ashland Stakes is a key Oaks prep race, and this year’s April 3 renewal features a small, select field of six including three of my top five rated Oaks contenders (Malathaat, Simply Ravishing, Will’s Secret).
Kentucky Oaks 2021 Points Race Recaps
Bourbonette Oaks – Turfway Park (3-27-21)
I would say the winner of this race is every bit as good if not better than GP Oaks winner Crazy Beautiful. Speeding and California Lady were the early leaders but neither filly factored into the final outcome. Spritz spurted past the two early leaders and took over at the halfway point. Adventuring was back in 7th place at this stage and she started to come alive outside. Spritz tried to counter punch but Adventuring was traveling better and pushed clear in a comfortable two length score. She is a decent sort for Brad Cox. Spritz safely held the place over outside closer Candace O. Oliviaofthedesert was up for 4th and Wait for Nairobi was right behind her. Forever Boss, Roll Up Mo Money, Into Vanishing, Speeding, and California Lady trailed.
Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) – Gulfstream Park (3-27-21)
This did not seem like a strong renewal of the GP Oaks. Con Lima was the favorite and she set the pace from the rail as expected. Bow Bow Girl and Len Lo Lady chased and faded, and my value top choice Millefeuille stalked the early runners, made an outside bid for the lead, and briefly looked home free but Crazy Beautiful, last for the opening half-mile, started gathering momentum. The latter proved too much in the late going and kicked clear to win by 2+ lengths. Millefeuille was second best and Competitive Speed got past Con Lima late to garner the show. Pens Street and Bow Bow Girl were next, and it was a long way back to Len Lo Lady.
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Top 20 Kentucky Oaks Points Leaders (through GP Oaks 3-27-21)
132 Points: Travel Column
128 Points: Crazy Beautiful
94 Points: Clairiere
60 Points: Will’s Secret
52 Points: Wholebodemeister
50 Points: Beautiful Gift, Search Results
44 Points: Millefeuille
28 Points: Kalypso
24 Points: Souper Sensational
22 Points: Moraz
20 Points: Miss Brazil, Pauline’s Pearl, The Grass Is Blue
13 Points: Simply Ravishing
12 Points: Moon Swag
11 Points: Sun Path
10 Points: Con Lima, Curlin’s Catch, Malathaat, Obligatory, Oliviaofthedesert, Zaajel
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Upcoming Kentucky Oaks 2021 Points Races
Beaumont (10-4-2-1) – April 2
SA Oaks (100-40-20-10) – April 3
Gazelle (100-40-20-10) – April 3
Ashland (100-40-20-10) – April 3
Fantasy (100-40-20-10) – April 3
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Jarrod Horak’s Fabulous Five Kentucky Oaks 2021 Contenders (4-2-21)
#1 – TRAVEL COLUMN – My longtime top ranked Oaks filly sat a great tactical trip in FG Oaks.
#2 – CLAIRIERE – FG Oaks runner-up will take on Travel Column for fourth time in Ky Oaks.
#3 – WILL’S SECRET – Made it three straight wins in Honeybee wire job. Ashland is next.
#4 – SIMPLY RAVISHING – Alcibiades winner makes 3yo bow in Ashland April 3.
#5 – MALATHAAT – Won all three starts in 2020. Ashland is her next engagement.
Article by Jarrod Horak
