By Jarrod Horak
The Grade 1 Ashland, Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks, and Grade 3 Gazelle Stakes were the final three road to Kentucky Oaks 2024 points races. In this report, I will look back at those events and update my “Fabulous 5” Oaks contenders.
In other Kentucky Oaks news, West Omaha, a longtime member of my Oaks list, is most likely not going to compete in the Oaks, according to an April 3 article at the DRF website. She earned a total of 90 Oaks points, which was more than enough to run at Churchill Downs on May 3. Brad Cox stated that his stakes-winning filly might go next in the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico on May 17.
Kentucky Oaks 2024 Points Race Recaps
Grade 1 Ashland (4-5-24)
Fractions: 24.35, 48.27, 1:12.05, 1:37.16, 1:43.85
Top 5 Finishers: Leslie’s Rose, Just F Y I, Impel, Candied, Standoutsensation
Halina’s Forte, a 17-1 longshot, was intent on the early lead, and betting favorite Impel chased from second. The latter took the lead turning for home but it would not last. Leslie’s Rose was always in a nice stalking position under Irad Ortiz Jr., and she was moving best of all in the stretch and won easily by three lengths. Champion 2-year-old filly Just F Y I was making her first start of the year for Bill Mott, and she stalked wide and was along for the place in a respectable effort. Impel weakened to third and was followed by BC Juvenile Fillies show finisher Candied, Standoutsensation, Shimmering Allure, a disappointing Jody’s Pride, and fading early leader Halina’s Forte. Leslie’s Rose stamped herself as a legitimate Oaks contender, and Just F Y I probably needed the race and can move forward next time.
