Hidden Connection might try Oaklawn's 2-turn series

Grade 3 winner Hidden Connection will be considered for Oaklawn’s two-turn series of stakes races for older fillies and mares in 2023, her Fair Grounds-based trainer Bret Calhoun said Saturday afternoon.

“There’s a good chance,” Calhoun said, when asked whether Hidden Connection will be seen at the Hot Springs, Ark., track.

Hidden Connection powered to a 7 1/2-length allowance victory at 1 1/16 miles Friday at Fair Grounds, which was her second start since finishing 12th in the million Kentucky Oaks (G1) last May at Churchill Downs. The 1 1/8-mile Kentucky Oaks is the nation’s biggest prize for 3-year-old fillies.

After winning the Pocahontas Stakes (G3) for 2-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs, Hidden Connection ran fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) to close her 2021 campaign. Both races were 1 1/16 miles. She also finished second, beaten a nose by champion Echo Zulu, in the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles last March at Fair Grounds.

“Obviously, (Oaklawn) has a good series of races, graded races, later on the meet,” Calhoun said. “Obviously, that’s our ultimate goal.”

Oaklawn’s signature two-turn race for older fillies and mares is the $1 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) on April 15. The final two major local preps leading up to the Apple Blossom are the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) on Feb. 4 and the $350,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) on March 11. All three races are 1 1/16 miles.

Hidden Connection, by millionaire Grade 1 winner Connect, has a record of 8: 3-1-1 and earnings of $456,625.

Calhoun was in Hot Springs Saturday to saddle Run Classic in the $200,000 Tinsel Stakes, where he finished fourth as the favorite. Calhoun has 10 stalls at Oaklawn.