Fiftyshadesofhay Heads Hollywood Oaks Probables

Fiftyshadesofhay, winner of the Grade II Black Eyed Susan May 17 at Pimlico, heads the list of probable starters for the $150,000 Hollywood Oaks. A Grade II for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles over Cushion Track, the Oaks will be run for 68th time Saturday, June 22.

A daughter of Pulpit out of the Real Quiet mare Quiet Kim, Fiftyshadesofhay is 1-for-1 over Cushion Track, defeating maidens by 3 ½ lengths last Nov. 22.

The Bob Baffert-trained filly went on to win the Grade III Santa Ysabel Stakes two starts later before finishing second and third, respectively, in a pair of Grade I’s – the Las Virgenes and Santa Anita Oaks. A rider hasn’t been named.

Doinghardtimeagain and Iotapa, already stakes winners at the Spring/Summer meet, look like the primary threats. Doinghardtimeagain (Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, jockey Rafael Bejarano), has won two in a row, including the Melair Stakes April 27, while Iotapa (John Sadler, Joe Talamo) has won three of four, most recently the Railbird Stakes May 19.

In addition to Doinghardtimeagain, Hollendorfer plans to start Ciao Bella Luna (no rider), runner-up to Iotapa in the Railbird and winner of the Grade II Beaumont April 14 at Keeneland.

Baffert is also considering Ondine (no rider), who provided Rafael Bejarano with his 3,000th lifetime victory May 11. The Hall of Fame trainer also nominated Sweet Marini and Tres Belle to the Oaks.

Completing the list of likely starters is Unusual Way (Edwin Maldonado), winner of the $100,000 Campanile Stakes June 1 at Golden Gate Fields.