Oaklawn Report #4: Marquee Miss Upsets Nickname

Three Stars of the Week

– 1st Star: MARQUEE MISS – We knew back in August that this horse was talented as she won the Arlington-Washington Lassie Stakes as a first time starter, but her races after that leading up to Oaklawn were not good. After three non-factor off the board efforts following her debut win, Marquee Miss has rebounded to win the first two legs of the Oaklawn Park 3 year old filly series. Her recent win in the Martha Washington was ultra impressive as she was able to run down the highly regarded Nickname late in the stretch to win by about a half length. Nickname had previously finished fourth in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Stakes so this win really does show the class of Marquee Miss. Marquee Miss now has a great chance to become trainer Ingrid Mason’s second Kentucky Oaks participant as she’s sure to run in the Honeybee Stakes next time out.

– 2nd Star: TERRA PROMESSA – Forget about the Martha Washington runners…this filly might be the best 3 year old female on the grounds! After stretching out around two turns and breaking her maiden last time out at Churchill Downs, Terra Promessa made it two in a row in Friday’s feature race as she dominated a first level allowance contest. The final margin was nine lengths, but the Curlin filly was geared down towards the end of the race as nobody could give her much competition. This win undoubtedly will propel her to the Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn Park next out which of course is a prep for the Kentucky Oaks. After Friday’s performance it would not be surprising to see her ultimately end up running on the first Friday in May at Churchill Downs.

– 3rd Star: REGALLY READY – Thursday’s feature allowance race was full of quality horses, but in the end Regally Ready was much the best. When it comes to being consistent this horse fits the bill! The win makes him 19 out of 45 for his career, and might throw his name back against stakes company later on down the road at the Oaklawn Park meeting. Regally Ready now has nearly 1.8 million dollars in career earnings, and has won at NINE different race tracks. Any owner would be lucky to have a horse like this one!

Flop of the Week

– MY MASTER PLAN – She came into the race undefeated, but just didn’t show up with her “A game” on Saturday in the Martha Washington Stakes. Things seemed to be going ok at first, but approaching the far turn she hit a wall and completely stopped. Back to the drawing board with her.

Preview to Next Week

• Saturday, Feb 13th – $100,000 Essex Handicap – 4-year-olds and up, 1 1/16th Miles
• Sunday, Feb 14th – $100,000 Grade 3 Bayakoa Stakes – Fillies and Mares 4 year old and upward – 1 1/16th miles
• Monday, Feb 15th – $500,000 Southwest Stakes – 3 year olds – 1 1/16th miles