Milam Early 3-1 Choice in Pocahontas

The Road to the Kentucky Oaks kicks-off in prime time under the lights Saturday at Churchill Downs as the legendary Louisville racetrack enters into its a first foray of September racing since 1890. The Pocahontas (GII), which will be staged for the 45th time, launches the “Kentucky Oaks Prep Season” series.

 

Points will be awarded to the Top 4 finishers – 10 points for first, 4 for second, 2 for third and 1 for fourth. The top point-earners at the series’ conclusion next spring will ultimately determine which horses have preference to start in the 140^th renewal of the Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI). 

 

The Pocahontas also is a part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series, and the winner will earn a starting position in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) in early November at Santa Anita.

 

Joseph Sutton’s Milam, who won at first-asking on Aug. 4 at Ellis Park, is the 3-1 early choice in the Pocahontas, which will go as Race 6 at 8:30 p.m. EDT. Trained by Eddie Kenneally and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Milam went gate-to-wire in her debut, repulsed a bid and drew away to beat J J Julep by 3 ¾ lengths while clocking six furlongs in a swift 1:09.72. The runner-up returned a week ago to win a maiden special weight on turf by 6 ¼ lengths.

 

Stoneway Farm’s Stonetastic invades from Monmouth Park fresh off a scintillating 12 ½-length career debut. The gray/roan daughter of Mizzen Mast raced on the outside of a rival to the quarter pole and then drew away in hand to clock 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.45. Joe Bravo has the mount for trainer Kelly Breen and will break from the outside post.

 

Notable entrants also include Winchell’s Untapable, the half-sister to Grade I-winner Paddy O’Prado who won her only start at Churchill Downs in June, and Stonestreet Stables LLC’s Elena Strikes, who was third in Schuylerville (GIII) at Saratoga in late July. John Velasquez will be in town to ride the latter for trainer Todd Pletcher.