Jody Slew Will Run in Fair Grounds Oaks

Jody Slew, undefeated in the first two legs of Fair Grounds’ sophomore filly series, will attempt to become the first horse to sweep all three races in that grouping when she goes to the post in Friday’s 44th running of the Grade II Fair Grounds Oaks.

Owned by Martin Racing Stable and Dan Morgan, Jody Slew suffered bruises and body soreness after getting cast in her stall more than a week ago. She has been evaluated on a day-by-day basis by trainer Bret Calhoun since that setback regarding her chances of answering the bell in the Crescent City oval’s annual main event for members of the distaff set.

“As of right now we’re a ‘go’,” said Calhoun’s assistant trainer Jill Perry Thursday morning, speaking outside the Calhoun barn. “She seemed to be good this morning, and unless something drastic happens between now and tomorrow we will be in there.”

That was also welcome news for the owners, who were already seated on a plane for a flight from Dallas, Texas, to New Orleans when contacted.

“It’s been a blessing to us to have a filly like this one,” said Stevie Martin, the feminine half of Martin Racing Stable, whose filly was considered “doubtful” for the Oaks earlier this week. “We’re going to put this little setback behind us, and now we’re looking forward to coming back to New Orleans.”

Ironically, Jody Slew was originally purchased to be a grass horse and was entered in the $75,000 Tiffany Lass Stakes Jan. 23 (first leg of the sophomore series) mostly because she needed a race and there was nothing on the grass for her at time. When she won that, it made no sense not to bring her back in the Grade III Silverbulletday Stakes Feb. 20, and in that second leg of the series she got up to win by a nose in the last jump after trailing the field most of the way.

Should Jody Slew win the Fair Grounds Oaks, in addition to making unprecedented Thoroughbred history in New Orleans, she would automatically become one of the long range favorites for the Grade I Kentucky Oaks five weeks later on April 30.

Four of the last five Fair Grounds Oaks winners have gone on to win the Kentucky Oaks, including eventual Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra last year.