Fantasy Stakes Contender Spotlight: Ring Leader

HOT SPRINGS, AR – Novogratz Racing Stables’ Ring Leader will try to rediscover her winning form Friday when she breaks from the gate in the $400,000 Fantasy Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

Ring Leader commenced her career with a string of three victories from as many starts, beginning last June at Canterbury Park. Off from then until January 24, she returned at Oaklawn Park and scored a front-running 6-furlong win against allowance/optional claiming foes, then took home the Dixie Belle Stakes on February 15 over the same course and distance.

Trainer McLean Robertson stretched her out in the 1 1/16-mile Honeybee Stakes (G3), but she failed to hold on after setting the pace, finishing fifth. She lost all chance after stumbling at the start of the Purple Martin Stakes, but it is encouraging that jockey Joe Talamo chose to ride her again as she stretches back out.

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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):