Ladies First: Kentucky Oaks Thoughts & Selections

Photo: Heidi Carpenter

Friday is all about lilies and fillies! With Songbird on the sideline, this year’s Kentucky Oaks is a wide open affair. Since this is the 142nd running of the event, I have prepared my thoughts on each runner in 142 characters or less. Take that Twitter!

1- Terra Promessa

The fact she just hung on at 1 1/16 mile plus the inside makes me nervous! She will need to get out early to avoid a traffic jam.

2- Weep No More

She has been training solidly and improving with each start. This filly has left her connections with plenty to smile about. She could peak here.

3- Lewis Bay

A popular pick on Twitter, but keep in mind that win in the Gazelle was over a muddy track. I’m not entirely confident in this one.

4- Go Maggie Go

Lightly races and relatively untested means this filly is anybody’s guess. She could add some nice value to exotics.

5- Dream Dance

Finally, an easy pass! She had to drop down to an allowance to pick up a win in her last start. Clearly outclassed here.

6- Mokat

This west coast filly is just one of seven lifetime and looks to prefer the turf. Another one crossed off my list.

7- Mo d’Amour

She has put in some decent works at Churchill. I may need to find a place for her on my ticket with those ML odds.

8- Royal Obsession

She is always there at the end! I have a feeling this gray daughter of Tapit may like this distance, on a fast track.

9- Paola Queen

This young lady has the early speed, but not the distance. Another toss.

10- Venus Valentine

I am not expecting another upset win by this filly. Her win in the Rachel Alexandra was simply a fluke.

11- Rachel’s Valentina

A little surprised to see her as the ML favorite. No doubt she needed that last start, but I am not yet convinced she has the distance.

12- Cathryn Sophia

Just could not close the deal last time out, but is still a force to be reckoned with. She is set up for the perfect stalking trip in this one.

13- Land Over Sea

Her chances to win go up dramatically when her nemesis, Songbird, is not in the starting gate. Still, I would need a good price to play.

14- Taxable

This one is as confusing as doing taxes. I’m honestly not sure what to expect from her! Could be a refund or a penalty, just hard to calculate.

JASON’S PICKS: 2-12-8

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