Fionn outfinishes Laurelin in Jockey Club Oaks showdown

Fionn, racing for the first time since a fourth-place finish in the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup in October, outfinished Laurelin to win the Grade 3 Jockey Club Oaks on Saturday at Aqueduct.

Don't Jinx It, a 75-1 long shot, set the pace with Hereforagoodtime prompting her. Even-money favorite Laurelin tracked in third-last position of eight, while Fionn raced keenly in second-last through the early and middle stage of the race.

Don't Jinx It carried her lead into the lane, turning back Hereforagoodtime. However, the two marquee contenders were bearing down on the long shot. Laurelin rallied three deep, with Fionn coming from further outside.

Laurelin had first run, poking her head to the lead near the sixteenth mark. That lead was short-lived. Fionn finished better under jockey Flavien Prat, quickly taking the advantage from Laurelin and edging away from the favorite. Don't Jinx It dug in to hold the place over Scythian.

Fionn finished the 1 3/8 miles on firm Aqueduct turf in 2:17.22, and paid her backers $4.82 to win.

Fionn is a 3-year-old daughter of Twirling Candy out of the Giant's Causeway mare Gaelic Gold. Trained by Brad Cox for owners George Messina and Michael Lee, Fionn extended her record to 10: 7-1-1 with her victory in the Jockey Club Oaks. That includes six wins in eight starts this year, including four at the graded level.