I'm A Chatterbox Has Something to Say in Fair Grounds Oaks

Yes, I admit I will bet a name from time to time. Oh wow, I already feel better having that off my chest! Earlier this year, I was analyzing the Silverbulletday Stakes and saw the name I’m A Chatterbox and as a chatterbox myself, I knew I had to keep an eye on her. Overlooked by the betting public that day, this chestnut filly would completely dominate the field en route to an impressive eight-length victory. In addition to rethinking my future handicapping strategies, I was convinced this filly was the real deal.

She entered the Grade II Rachel Alexandra Stakes as the favorite and would once again claim victory; however, this time she came closing late. She broke from the outside post and was forced four-wide early, but was eased to the back of the field, setting her up for a fantastic mid-race charge towards the leading pack. This was the first time in her career that she was not on or near the lead and didn’t seem to bother her one bit. She proved her versatility as a runner and solidified herself as a legitimate Kentucky Oaks contender. Her victory in the Rachel Alexandra was the first graded stakes victory as owners for longtime breeders Fletcher and Carolyn Gray and I don’t think it will be their last. They certainly made the right call by keeping this little filly in their barn.

She is a vivacious chestnut filly that is just a beautiful athlete. According to Carolyn Gray, Chatterbox knows she is a princess and believes everyone is there to see her. Observers in the Fair Grounds backstretch can vouch for that as she loves posing for the camera! Just look at her saying good morning to my friend Kimberly R. Langston. 

Trainer Larry Jones is no stranger when dealing with such talented young fillies. It should be noted that both times Jones has won the Fair Grounds Oaks, his filly has gone on to the Kentucky Oaks. He did so with Proud Spell in 2008, and Believe You Can in 2012.

I have long been a fan of Florent Geroux. I believe he is one of our sports rising stars. He has been perfect aboard I’m A Chatterbox, going 2-for-2. Prior to her performance in the Silverbulletday, Larry Jones was quoted as telling Florent to “ride her like you own her and need the money really bad.” Geroux must have been desperate that day because he took her out to a tactical pace and wired the field! Geroux’s patience and belief in Chatterbox was evident during that closing effort in the Rachel Alexander.

Geroux, Jones and Chatterbox have a bright future together and a great chance to enter the Kentucky Oaks as favorites. She currently sits atop the Oaks standings with 61 points, and will be competing in her final prep this Saturday in the Fair Ground Oaks. While not on many radars at the start of the year, she now has people “chatting” across the country.