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Kentucky Oaks Buy or Sell- May 5, 2020- By Nikki Samolovitch

Kentucky Oaks Futures Index-Tuesday, May 5,2020, by Nikki Samolovitch.

This is the seventh edition of the Kentucky Oaks Futures Index found on the Daily Gallop. My opinions will be offered on which horses I think should are major competitors to hit the board on Oaks Day. 

BUY

  1. Swiss Sky Diver: (Daredevil) Trained by Kenny McPeek 1st in the Fantasy Stakes, 1st Gulfstream Park Oaks, 3rd Rachel Alexander.

The race on Saturday put Swiss Sky Diver in a league of her own and brought her Oaks points to 210. She secured her post on Oaks day impressively.  The only hurdle in her way to Oaks day in September is to keep her fit and well until the fall. The owner Peter Callahan brought up a race in the UK, 1000 Guineas, it comes back in 5 weeks, which would give them 4 months until Oaks Day. Very much looking forward to the connections next step with her. 

  1. Gamine: (Into Mischief) Trained by Bob Baffert. Maiden win, Allowance win.

Gamine fought off a hard charging Speech to win by a neck in a $61,000 claiming race. She had quite the coming out party with her maiden win and this win Saturday just notched another level closer to the Oaks Gamine’s time was faster than the 1:42 clocking from Swiss Skydiver in the Fantasy. She was also quicker than 1:42.39 time from the Stakes placed older horse Endorced. Possibilities with her seem endless and I am sure Bob Baffert will have her cranked and ready for the Oaks in September.

  1.  Venetian Harbor: (Munnings) Trained by Richard Baltas.  2nd in Fantasy Stakes, 1st in the Las Virgenes.

Venetian Harbor tired against a game Swiss Skydiver in the Fantasy Stakes on Saturday. Swiss Skydiver had just another gear turning home. Richard Baltas wasn’t worried with her 2nd place and plans to keep the path to the Oaks in September. Once racetracks resume racing and adjust schedules we can see where she is pointed to next. I still believe she has what it takes against this talented group. 

  1. Donna Veloce: (Uncle Mo) Trained by Simon Callaghan. 1st in the San Isabel, 2nd in the Starlet Stakes, 2nd in the BC Juvenile Fillies.

Donna Veloce is currently on a 60 day farm rest. Her trainer said she had a minor setback but didn’t specify what it was. The delay of the Oaks until September could prove beneficial for her. Hopefully once she rests up she will be back into champ territory again

  1. Shedaresthedevil: (Daredevil) Trained by Brad Cox. 3rd in the Fantasy Stakes, 1st in the Honeybee.

She never got close to Venetian Harbor and Swiss Skydiver but fought off Alta’s Award to capture 3rd in the Fantasy.  I wanted to put her in the buy column her last race but wanted to see how Venetian Harbor and British Idiom did on their next race. Watching her performance on the track on race day and trainings prove she is a work horse with a lot to prove. Hoping she will peak at the right moment and show up on Oaks day.

Sell:

  1. British Idiom: (Tapit) Trained by Brad Cox. 10th in the Fantasy Stakes, 2nd in the Rachel Alexandra, 1st in the BC Juvenile Fillies,1st in the Alcibiades.

British Idiom came in a disappointing 10th in the Fantasy Stakes. Brad Cox was expecting her to bring her A game to the race Saturday but coming around the far turn she just never fired. I was hoping the Champ was back but until next race she will stay in Sell column. 

  1. Lake Avenue: (Tapit) Trained by Bill Mott. 9th in the Fantasy Stakes, 2nd in the Busher, 1st in the Demoiselle Stakes. 

When Lake Avenue didn’t go for the lead in the beginning I knew she was in trouble.  She is a speed horse and was nowhere to be found early.  Lake Avenue put up no resistance in her last race. Hopefully the light comes on for her and she gets into gear.  Until we see more she stays here. It’s wait and see with her.

  1. Finite: (Munnings) Trained by Steve Asmussen.  4th Fair Grounds Oaks, 1st in the Rachel Alexandra, 1st in the Golden Rod, 1st in the Rags to Riches Stakes, 1st Siverbulletday Stakes.

Disappointed as the odds- on favorite in the Fair Grounds Oaks when she was off the board finishing fourth. This snapped a five-race winning streak. This was a big drop for her and she will be in the Asmussen barn until they figure out next race for her.

  1. Tonalist Shape (Tonalist) Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr.  7th Gulfstream Park Oaks, 1st in the Forward Gal, 1st in the Davona Dale

Lost for the first time in the Gulfstream Park Oaks. She is going to receive a short time off before they decide on her next race. She has yet to prove her effectiveness in a two- turn race, at this stage she has the necessary points to secure her spot on Oaks Day. Need to see more from her.

  1. Havey’s Lil Goil (American Pharoah) Trained by Bill Mott.  1st in the Busunda, 11th in the Fantasy Stakes

She missed the break and had a nightmare trip in the Fantasy.  She will need to step up in class before the Kentucky Oaks.  I think she is much better than this. We will certainly be hearing from her again before the Oaks. 

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