Oxy Lady '100 percent sound' after vanned off in Busher Invitational

Calumet Farm's Oxy Lady endured a difficult trip behind rivals in Saturday's Busher Invitational before finding racing room late in the lane to rally for a runner-up effort behind Espresso Shot.

 

Trainer Jack Sisterson said the Oxbow bay, who picked up superficial cuts during the race and was vanned off as a precaution, was in good order this morning at Aqueduct.

 

"She's great. She ate everything up last night and she's bright eyed and full of energy. It was something we really wanted to see as she did get banged up during the race," said Sisterson. "I can only imagine it happened when she got in tight and had to check out of there. She's 100 percent sound this morning. We were pleased she ran well, and we can't take anything away from the winner."

 

Oxy Lady picked up 20 qualifying points towards the Kentucky Oaks with her Busher effort bringing her total to 21 and currently sits ninth on the leaderboard.

 

After winning Aqueduct's Tempted Stakes (G3) in November by five lengths, Oxy Lady went on to finish fourth in the Starlet Stakes (G1) on Dec. 8 at Los Alamitos, earning a single Kentucky Oaks qualifying point.

 

Following a brief respite, she returned to action on Feb. 16 at Fair Grounds when an uncharacteristic sixth in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2).

 

Sisterson said the talented bay will return to Keeneland this afternoon and be further assessed before any decisions are made regarding her next start.

 

"I'd like to get her home and make sure she's 110 percent coming out of this race," said Sisterson. "It was a very tough race for her, and we were running her back in three weeks after the Rachel Alexandra at Fair Grounds. For the moment, we'll leave every option open for her."

 

Sisterson said he continues to be impressed by Oxy Lady's improvement as a sophomore.

 

"Before she debuted, she'd shown a few pieces of work in the morning that she had a lot of talent," said Sisterson. "Once they show that talent in the morning, they have to translate it to the afternoon and barring her race in the Rachel Alexandra, she's been very competitive. She wasn't beaten far in the Grade 1 in California, so she's definitely a very talented filly."