McLaughlin: Take Charge Paula '60-40' to run in Kentucky Oaks 2018

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said Monday a decision whether to run Take Charge Paula in the 2018 Kentucky Oaks will come down to the week of the May 4 race at Churchill Downs.

Take Charge Paula sits 10th in the Kentucky Oaks points leader board — eligible to run in the 1 1/8-mile feature if entered — but has also been nominated to the Grade 3 Eight Belles Stakes going seven furlongs on the undercard.

The daughter of Take Charge Indy put in her best performance as a 3 1/2-length winner of the Grade 2 Davona Dale three starts back, though around one turn. She has run second in consecutive races since, last finishing second in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks.

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“She’s not a perfectly straightforward filly,” McLaughlin said, adding that in the Gulfstream Park Oaks, jockey Jose Ortiz “kind of eased her back at the 3/8 pole — came around and went. Then Dale Romans’ filly, Coach Rocks, beat us late, but we ran very well. I don’t think the distance is a negative going a mile and an eighth.”

Take Charge Paula is back at McLaughlin’s winter base, the Palm Meadows Training Center, along with 2018 Kentucky Derby contender Enticed. Weather-permitting, McLaughlin will work both horses the next two Thursdays before shipping to Churchill Downs.

Owner Peter Deutsch purchased Take Charge Paula privately and transferred to McLaughlin following a half-length twin going six furlongs Dec. 9 in Gulfstream’s House Party Stakes.

“I will speak to Peter Deutsch and make a final decision closer to the time needed,” McLaughlin said of the filly’s next start, “but I’d say it’s 60-40 for the Oaks.”

The Oaks field is capped at 14 starters, with the entry deadline and draw set for Monday, April 30. Bret Calhoun-trained Classy Act is 15th on the current points leaderboard and stands to benefit should Take Charge Paula instead point to the Eight Belles.