Virginia Oaks
July 15, 2008
Virginia Oaks (Grade 3)
#1 Miss Mafioso- This filly was left eating Pure Clan’s dust last time out when she finished 5th and last in the Regret. She seems to be in a bit over her head today. I wouldn’t include her on my tickets.
#2 Julia Tuttle- She really woke up two races back when she broke her maiden by 10 lengths. She has really nice speed early speed and that should work to her advantage. She has one of the top local jockeys. Her sire is Giant’s Causeway and his foals seem to be late bloomers. She is a threat, and I would use her in all three spots at 15-1.
#3 Nijinsky Ballet- Garrett Gomez will pick up the mount on this filly. She has been close going a mile, so the extra furlong should work to her advantage. She doesn’t look like much, but I can’t ignore her presence with Gomez up, so I will use her third.
#4 Athena’s Gift- Took quite a bit of time for her to break her maiden. She should be coming from pretty far back and I don’t think he pace is there to set up for her. I am going to toss her.
#5 Clara’s Song- Sired by Brahms, and trained by Carlos Garcia this one doesn’t seem to fit. She was the beaten favorite last out in an optional claimer. If she can’t hit the board in that race, how can she expect to win this one? I won’t be using her on my tickets.
#6 Three Graces- I like the tactical speed that this filly possesses. She was victorious last out in a minor stakes at Canterbury. The fact that Alborado is in the irons is a plus. I believe she will lay close to the pace and pounce late. I don’t like her chances to win, but I can see her running second or third.
#7 Namaste’s Wish- Sired by Pulpit, this filly was a $600,000 purchase at the Fasig Tipton sale in 2006. She hasn’t lived up to that price, but seems to be sitting on a breakthrough race. She reminds me of another Pulpit progeny, Pyro. Both of these horses love to come flying late. I don’t like her for the win, but I would include her second and third.
#8 Born To Be- Yet another filly who will be flying home late. By AP Indy, she just cleared the NW2 condition last out. She seems a bit outclassed, but given her pedigree I will include her third.
#9 Cherokee Queen- This filly should lay somewhat close to the pace. She has a career record of 2 wins from 3 starts. I really like her last win in which she covered 1 1/8 in 1:48 flat. Graham Motion is a master on the turf, and John Velazquez is one of the best jockeys around. I will include her on top of all my exotic tickets.
#10 I Lost My Choo- Here is your favorite. Just like many of the fillies in this race she will be springing her attack late in the game. She just missed for second two back in the Sands Point. Edgar Prado will retain the mount, which is encouraging. I don’t like the price, but I do recognize her capability. I have to use her in all three spots.
1st- Julia Tuttle (15-1)
2nd- Cherokee Queen (5-1)
3rd- Three Graces (8-1)
Plays:
$1 Trifecta (2,9,10/2,6,7,9,10/2,3,6,7,8,9,10)
