Farrell Extends Win Streak in Fair Grounds Oaks
Farrell extended her win streak to four in today’s $400,000 Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks. The Malibu Moon filly not only repelled a threat from the well-bred Vexatious, but managed to win by 3 ¼ lengths while drifting out on the left lead. Already highly regarded on the 2017 Kentucky Oaks trail, the Wayne Catalano-trained Farrell confirmed her status as one of the top contenders aiming for the lilies at Churchill Downs in May.
Leading up to the 1 1/16 miles prep race, Farrell and Vexatious received much of the attention. Farrell, out of Rebridled Dreams, is a half to Grade 1 winners Carpe Diem and J. B.’s Thunder, and has dominated Fair Grounds all season long. Vexatious shipped in from California after finishing third in an allowance to Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby contenders Battle of Midway and Reach the World. The Giant’s Causeway filly is out of Dream of Summer, making her a full sister to Grade 1 winner Creative Cause and 2016 Belmont Stakes runner-up Destin.
As the field made its way to the starting gate, Farrell and regular jockey Channing Hill loaded into post six as the 2-5 favorite. Vexatious, the 7-2 second choice, was slightly fractious in the five hole with Kent Desormeaux in the irons. When the gates opened, Daria’s Queen took advantage of her position on the rail and grabbed the lead. As the field tightened up and Farrell moved left, Vexatious was there to keep her competition at bay.
Daria’s Angel led the fillies through opening fractions of :24.09, :47.55, and 1:12.09 through the first three-quarters of a mile. Vexatious held a competitive position in second, while Farrell settled on the outside in third with Wicked Lick close behind. Corporate Queen and Queen Bernardina trailed the field.
Turning for home, Farrell took over and shook her foes off with ease. Vexatious almost appeared to give Farrell a challenge, but the California team was no match. Wicked Lick was able to slide up the rail and nip Vexatious for second, but it was Farrell who hit the wire first. Even though she was on her left lead and drifting, Hill straightened out his mount to stop the clock in 1:43.67.
Farrell paid $2.80, $2.40, and $2.10, while Wicked Lick delivered $6.20 and $2.80 at 14-1. Vexatious returned $2.20. The order of finish was completed by Daria’s Angel, Corporate Queen, and Queen Bernardina. Majestic Quality and Summer Luck were scratched.
“We feel very good [heading to the Kentucky Oaks],” said winning trainer Catalano. “She’s doing everything we’ve asked her to do, and she’s coming around and she’s maturing. The way she’s settling down, she’s really learning.”
“Wayne and the barn have done a great job with a really good filly,” Hill commented. “She’s terrific and just keeps getting better and better. She settled extremely well today. I didn’t ask her until we left the eighth pole, and I still had a ton of horse.”
Desormeaux said of up and coming Vexatious, “She stuck her neck out there and tried to be second. I was proud of her. I thought she had everything her way and she responded. It was a beautiful trip and she’s getting faster. She’s a little keen, but not out of control and should improve.”
As for Wicked Lick, “She’s Wicked Lick – she always tries,” said trainer Brendan Walsh. “She ran great, she saved ground and she always shows up. It looks like ‘why not’ as far as the Oaks. She’s a good filly.”
The Fair Grounds Oaks improved Farrell’s career to 5-0-1 in seven starts. She has now made $601,357 for her owners and breeders, Coffeepot Stables. With points awarded on a 100-40-20-10 basis, Farrell sits at the top of the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard with 170 points.
By Christine Oser