By Jarrod Horak
Group 3 UAE Oaks winner Manama Gold is now possible for Kentucky Oaks 2024. In this report, I will check out the latest Oaks news and update my “Fabulous 5” Oaks contenders.
Manama Gold is now trained by Todd Pletcher and is expected to arrive at Churchill Downs on April 22. She picked up 50 Kentucky Derby Oaks points with her victory in the UAE Oaks (G3) on Feb. 23. Entries for the Kentucky Oaks close on April 27, and she would have to be supplemented to the race for $25,000. If they pay the fee to make her eligible, she would be 14th on the Oaks points list with 50 points. Our Pretty Woman also has 50 points for Steve Asmussen, but Manama Gold gets the tiebreaker for having more unrestricted stakes earnings.
Our Pretty Woman is suddenly on the bubble and might be stuck on the AE list if Manama Gold enters the Oaks. Steve Asmussen’s filly exits a runner-up finish in the FG Oaks (G2). She has breezed three times at Churchill Downs since her last start. She went five panels in 1:00.00 (2/32) on April 21. She drops off my Oaks list due to this developing situation with Manama Gold, but I respect her early speed if she gets into the Oaks starting gate.
Busanda Stakes winner Gin Gin breezed 5f in 1:00.80 (20/71) at Churchill Downs on April 20. She completed the trifecta in the Busher and Gazelle (G3) in her last two starts.