Kentucky Oaks: Secret Oath, other hopefuls work at Churchill

Secret Oath, Briland Farm’s top Kentucky Oaks contender, worked a sharp six-furlong move on her own in 1:13 early at Churchill Downs Monday shortly after the track opened at 5:15 a.m.

Secret Oath, with jockey Luis Saez in the saddle, began her 3/4-mile work from the 5 1/2-furlong marker and completed the move 1/16 mile past the wire.

Fractions on the work were 24.2 seconds, 36.0 seconds, 48.0 seconds, 1:00, 1:13 and out seven furlongs in 1:28.2.

“It was a big plus with the five-week break since the Arkansas Derby,” said trainer D. Wayne Lukas said. “We took our shot in the Arkansas Derby and it didn’t quite work out, but we’re really excited to get to run her in this year’s Oaks.”

Lukas has won the Oaks four times but has not run in the race since Colonial Empress’ 11th-place finish in 2012. His most recent victory in the Oaks was in 1990 with Overbrook Farm’s Seaside Attraction.

Churchill Downs provided these updates on other Kentucky Oaks hopefuls.

Cocktail Moments – Dixiana Farms’ Cocktail Moments, runner-up in the Ashland (G1) in her most recent start, galloped during the special Derby/Oaks training window from 7:30-7:45 a.m. EDT for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Goddess of Fire, Nest, Shahama – Trainer Todd Pletcher’s trio of Kentucky Oaks hopefuls all galloped 1 3/8 miles Monday morning.

Red Oak Stable’s Goddess of Fire, runner-up in the Rachel Alexandra (G2) and Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) in her past two starts, was partnered by Humberto Zamora. Pletcher said John Velazquez would have the Oaks mount.

Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House’s Nest, winner of the Ashland (G1) in her most recent start, was partnered by Nora McCormack. Irad Ortiz Jr., who has ridden Nest in all four of her victories, has the Oaks mount.

KHK Racing’s undefeated Shahama had Zamora aboard for her morning exercise. Flavien Prat has the Oaks mount.

Hidden Connection – Hidden Brook Farm and Black Type Thoroughbreds’ Hidden Connection had an easy one-mile jog Monday around 5:30 a.m. EDT.

Nostalgic – Godolphin’s Nostalgic had a 1 1/2-mile gallop Monday morning with veteran exercise rider Penny Gardiner in the saddle.

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott was in attendance Monday and accompanied his 3-year-old filly on the pony.

Turnerloose – Ike and Dawn Thrash’s Turnerloose had an easy morning of training with a one-mile jog under Edvin Vargas.