On Fire Baby Will Train Up To Kentucky Oaks

Trainer Gary “Red Dog” Hartlage said Thursday morning that owner Anita Cauley wants a “fresh horse” for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) May 4, so the decision has been made to not start their multiple graded stakes winner On Fire Baby in either the Fantasy Stakes (G2) Wednesday, April 11 or the Arkansas Derby (G1), Saturday, April 14. Both races had been under consideration since the Smoke Glacken filly won the $125,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) on March 10.

“This was completely Anita’s decision,” said Hartlage. “She wants a fresh horse for the Kentucky Oaks and that’s what she’s going to get. I know I can get her ready. I already know she can get the distance. She’s fine. Everything is ok. We have just decided to train up to the Oaks.”

On Fire Baby became an early favorite for the Kentucky Oaks last fall when she won both the Pocahantas (G2) and Golden Rod (G2) Stakes at Churchill Downs. In addition to her win against her own sex in the Honeybee, she also finished third in the January 16 Smarty Jones Stakes against males.

Entries for the Fantasy Stakes will be taken tomorrow, Friday, April 6.