Oaklawn Report #12

Three Stars of the Week

– 1st Star: Include Betty (KY) – Include Betty punched her ticket to the Kentucky Oaks on Saturday, but it didn’t come without controversy.  After a lengthy look into the stretch run of the Fantasy it was determined there would be no change despite contact on several occasions, and many on social media felt it was the wrong call.  A statement from State Steward Stan Bowker said “There was contact initiated by 11 (Include Betty), but we believed it did not warrant disqualification because neither rider had to steady, check, or stop riding.”  Whether or not Include Betty can compete with the big girls in the Kentucky Oaks is still very much in question, but winning the Fantasy definitely earned her top honors this week.

– 2nd Star: Heykittykittykitty (OK) – It’s been a solid meet for Heykittykittykitty, and Saturday’s allowance optional claiming victory was one of her best efforts.  The big grey filly sat just behind the pace setting Megyns Gold, and pounced at the top of the stretch to win convincingly by a little over a length.  She won two of four races this meet at Oaklawn, and is a perfect seven for seven lifetime at hitting the board in races ran at Oaklawn.  You would assume Chruchill Downs, or perhaps defending her Oklahoma Stallion Fillies Division Stakes title at Will Rogers will be next on the horizon for her.

– 3rd Star: Full Dancer (CA) – Much like Heykittykittykitty, Full Dancer has had a fantastic Oaklawn meeting winning two races and finishing second in three others.  Friday’s win came over the toughest field he’s faced yet, and he did in ultra impressive fashion winning by over three lengths while setting fairly fast fractions on the front end.  He should be one to look at if you are a member of Bet Bind next time out.

Flop of the Week

– Feathered (KY) – Usually when Pletcher brings one to Oaklawn they at least run well, but on Saturday Feathered was the favorite in the Fantasy and ran a very disappointing seventh.  The 3 year old daughter of Indian Charlie was never even involved in the race; it was a total non-effort.  Back to the drawing board with her.