Delaware Oaks fair odds: Fireline offers value in stakes debut

Two horses going in different directions convene in the Grade 3, $300,000 Delaware Oaks on Saturday, and if the morning line is right, the filly charting a positive course will offer the better price.

No. 8 Miracle is the 3-1 morning line favorite for the race. She is a known commodity by virtue of five stakes placings, including a second to eventual Kentucky Oaks and Acorn Stakes winner Pretty Mischievous in the Rachel Alexandra in February at Fair Grounds. However, placings is all that they are, as Miracle is on a six-race losing streak since winning her career debut, a skid that includes a pair of losses as the favorite.

No. 4 Fireline is second choice on the morning line at 7-2 and brings no stakes or two-turn credentials to this 1 1/16-mile tilt in America's first state. But the talent is impossible to ignore, given the 13-length maiden win against a next-out winner followed by a gritty stalk-and-pounce win from the rail in her 3-year-old debut 6 1/2 months later.

From a wagering standpoint, I'm not convinced I'll get the 5-2 I want on Fireline, but I think there are other opportunities in trying to beat Miracle. No matter what, I cannot imagine Fireline being less than 2-1 in any pool, so I would feel comfortable singling her in multi-race wagers that include the Dick Memorial (G3) on turf.

2023 Delaware Oaks G3