Kentucky Oaks undercard: 2 long shots and 1 single to play

The Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks is the highlight of Friday's card at Churchill Downs, but plenty of great wagering opportunities are available surrounding the marquee race for 3-year-old fillies.

Below I take a look at two long shots who could light up the tote board and zero in on one single in the race after the Oaks to key solid payoffs in late horizontal wagers.

Race 2

No. 4 Fogo Island, 12-1. This filly cost $320,000 and did not disappoint on debut for Paulo Lobo and OXO Equine. She will be ignored in the wagering as she won at Turfway Park, but she showed professionalism and class in that victory while closing from seventh for a sharp win. This race is loaded with speed as many of these lightly raced fillies have won only on the front end and only at six furlongs. With an extra half furlong, look for a filly who has shown she can pass horses to key on your tickets. It does not hurt that Paulo Lobo connects at 28 percent in dirt sprints.

Race 4

No. 3 Lisette, 30-1: The favorites in this race appear vulnerable, opening the door for chaos in this full field. Much like Race 2, this race appears to have plenty of speed signed on, and a pace collapse is possible. This filly has shown flashes of ability throughout her career. She won two races at a mile under Patrick Gallagher's care and though her form with D. Wayne Lukas is muddled, her last race might be an indication that she is better than ever. In her first 3 races with Lukas, she caught a sloppy track against stakes company and sprinted twice, which she has shown she does not prefer. She ran a solid third at a similar level last out at Oaklawn while earning a figure that puts her in the thick of contention. John Velazquez jumps aboard and with these connections, this mare is worth inclusion in all wagers at a big price.

Race 12

No. 1 Curl Girl, 7-2: Pace makes the race and unlike the two races discussed above, there is very little speed in this spot. Phil D'Amato's improving filly should make the early lead from the rail and will only have Hayunevano to deal with on the front end. The 3-year-old Curlin filly looked very impressive in her first try routing at Keeneland last out and may have stakes aspirations in the near future. She will be long gone with Flavien Prat aboard and can be singled in doubles starting with the Kentucky Oaks in the race before.