By Jarrod Horak
The Suncoast and Las Virgenes Stakes were the latest road to Kentucky Oaks 2024 points races. In this article, I will look back at those races and update my “Fabulous 5” Oaks contenders. The Rachel Alexandra (Feb. 17) and Sunland Oaks (Feb, 18) are the next two Kentucky Oaks points races.
In my last Kentucky Oaks update, I dropped Thorpedo Anna drops off my list due to no published works since her runner-up finish in the Golden Rod (G2) last November. She had her first workout of the year on Feb. 10 (3f in 37.80 at Fair Grounds). If she keeps up her regular morning activity, I can see her being ready for the FG Oaks on March 23.
I also mentioned Ways and Means in my last Oaks report. Chad Brown’s filly has recovered from an ankle chip. She returned to the worktab on Feb. 4 (easy 3f in 38.80), and went 3f again in 37.60 on Feb. 11.
Kentucky Oaks 2024 Points Race Recaps
Suncoast Stakes (2-10-24)
Fractions – 24.67, 48.94, 1;13.06, 1:37.89, 1;40.22
Top 5 Finishers: Power Squeeze, Whocouldaskformo, America’s Vow, Managing Mischief, Gorgeous Girl
Life Talk was 40 cents on the dollar following a front running victory in the Demoiselle (G2). She was not quick into stride this time, and slowly moved up outside to stalk the pace under Jose Ortiz. She made a bid around the final turn but came up empty in the lane and ran last. Second betting choice Power Squeeze saved ground stalking the pace, and found running room along the rail in the lane and kicked away to win by 2 3/4 lengths. She got a great trip under Daniel Centeno. Shug McGaughey’s recent graduate Whocouldaskformo came running from last and just grabbed the place over America’s Vow. Managing Mischief set the pace and weakened to 4th, and Gorgeous Girl chased and faded. I was not impressed with any of these and would like to play against perfect-trip winner Power Squeeze next time.
