Fantasy Stakes Contender Spotlight: Alta’s Award

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Ed and Susie Orr homebred Alta’s Award will return for a second shot at graded stakes glory when she exits the barriers in Friday’s $400,000 Fantasy Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

Alta’s Award was third on debut, her only start to date going one turn, but when she stretched out to 1 1/16 miles for her next appearance, she won going away. She remained at that same distance to defeat allowance/optional claiming rivals by a head, then shipped to Oaklawn Park to run second, beaten just 3/4 of a length, in the Honeybee Stakes (G3).

Alta’s Award has retained the services of the meet’s leading rider, Ricardo Santana, Jr., who was aboard for her maiden-breaking effort and her narrow Honeybee defeat. The 3-year-old Tonalist daughter will attempt to give trainer Steve Asmussen his fourth Fantasy score; the Hall of Fame conditioner previously won in 2016 (with Terra Promessa), 2017 (Ever So Clever), and 2019 (Lady Apple).

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The Fantasy is a Kentucky Oaks (G1) prep race awarding a total of 170 points to the top four finishers. The winner will receive 100 points, with 40 going to second, 20 to third, and 10 to fourth.

Here is the full field for the Fantasy (click on each horse’s name to read an exclusive preview):