Delaware Oaks (Grade 3) Preview

Likely Winners

#5 Lovely Maria (KY) – The Kentucky Oaks winner is back in action this weekend, and is also returning to the track where she broke her maiden at first asking!  It’s always exciting when these types of horses show up again after big wins, and by the looks of the workouts she’s ready to go for this one.  Obviously she has a huge class edge over this field, and should be a slam dunk to win.  Hopefully we she a top performance from her and big summer/fall campaign that leads to the Breeders Cup.

#4 Danzatrice (KY) – Had looked fairly dominant before testing herself in the Grade 1 Acorn last time out, and didn’t do too bad in that ultra tough race finishing fourth, and “only” getting beat by about five lengths to win the winner Curalina.  That kind of race shows she has class, and the small stretch out today going two turns is something that might move her up even more.  If she was a bit closer to winning last time I would like her odds even more here, but still believe she’s below Lovely Maria.  Could have a chance with her being the “now” horse though.

Exotic Plays

#6 White Clover (KY) – The “other” Larry Jones horse comes into this with a two race win streak, including the local prep for this one last time out.  She definitely is taking a significant step up in class today, but sometimes these types of Larry Jones runners jump up and surprise you.  Her one start at the distance was a disaster, but I think she’s a different horse now and is one to use underneath.

Party Crashers

#8 Peace and War (FL) – Changed trainers last time, and the horse responded finishing second in the local prep race for this one.  This horse has been spotted in some terrible places this year after having a great two year old year.  I have a feeling she’ll improve even more this time out as Motion is a great trainer and might have some things figured out with her.  Can’t trust her…but can’t count her out either.

Throw Outs

#1 Hip Hop N Jazz (KY) – Almost put her as a “party crasher” but just couldn’t convince myself that she was ready to compete at this level.  Undefeated so far in her career, but this race just looks a little too tough for her.  However, out of the four throw outs she’s the one that is most likely to run well.

#2 Milaya (KY) – Finally got the maiden broke last time out after six tries.  Might end up being an ok horse, but this might be too tough of a test for her right after finally winning.

#3 Bar of Gold (NY) – Comes out of the Grade 1 Acorn just like Danzatrice, but didn’t quite fair as well as she was 6th beaten 10 lengths.  Easier spot here, but still might not belong.

#7 Calamity Kate (KY) – Yet another that comes out of the Grade 1 Acorn as she was 8th beaten 18 lengths.  Much like Bar of Gold she just might not be good enough.