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Kentucky Oaks Futures Index-Wednesday, February 19, 2020, by Nikki Samolovitch.

This is the sixth 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. I am truly heartbroken.  On Monday, the talented Triple Crown nominated filly Taraz had to be euthanized after an injury to her leg. Unfortunately, these things happen to these beautiful creatures in this sport. They are athletes and get injured just like in Nascar, Boxing, and Football. It is unfortunate that we will never see what greatness she could have been. 

BUY

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

Finite has now moved to the top of my Oaks list. On Saturday, she became the first filly to win an Oaks prep race worth 50 points. She powered home over the returning champion British Idiom. She now has five consecutive victories.  This filly has now won on turf, over one turn on the dirt and over two turns on an off track. Everything they have asked her for she has delivered. She’s always been a really game filly and has always showed a lot of heart. Look for this fighting filly to show up with her A game on Oaks Day.

1. Bast: (Uncle Mo) Trained by Bob Baffert 1^st in the Chandelier Stakes, 1^st in the Del Mar Debutante Stakes and 3^rd in the BC Juvenile Fillies, 1^st in the Starlet Stakes, 1^st in the Santa Ynez.

Bast has a very accomplished record so far. I moved her down on my list because I have some concern that she has not published a workout since Jan. 18. I will be interested to see where Bob places her next and if he will keep her away from Venetian Harbor. If they both stay in California that match up will be one to watch for sure!  I look forward to her continued progression in 2020 and to see her in the gates the first Friday in May. 

1. Venetian Harbor: (Munnings) Trained by Richard Baltas. 1^st in the Las Virgenes.

Although she has yet to face the best out West against Donna Veloce and Bast. It sure looks like they will have their hands full with this one.  She dominated the field by winning by 9 ½ length victory in the Las Virgenes this is just off her 10 ¾ maiden win last out. Venetian Harbor is out of a Street Cry mare, one of my favorites, Sounds of the City. She scored a 102 Brisnet speed figure in her win landing her in prestigious company of the fastest times that week. She is an early contender for the Santa Anita Oaks and the Kentucky Oaks. Look to see her in the gates on Oaks Day. 

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

She suffered her first defeat of her career when she returned to the races on Saturday, finishing 2^nd behind Finite in the Rachel Alexandra. I am not worried enough to put her on the sell list. I think it was a solid enough effort to expect improvement next time out. British Idiom has shipped and won on 3 different tracks in three different states. She is well traveled and proven against top competition.  Looking forward to seeing her in the gates on Oaks Day. 

Sell:

1. Havey’s Lil Goil (American Pharoah) Trained by Bill Mott.  1^st in the Busunda

She is staying on the Sell list this edition. She will need to step up in class before the Kentucky Oaks. Once I see her face tougher competition and prove that her win on dirt wasn’t a fluke she will remain here. She’s also never raced anywhere but Aqueduct.   Mott is said to be eyeing the Gazelle next for her which on April 4^th at Aqueduct. I am looking forward to the race. Her talent is obvious.  Keep a close eye on her and excited to see her on the Oaks trail hope she keeps improving. I would love to see an American Pharoah baby on Oaks Day!

1. Lucrezia (Into Mischief) Trained by Arnaud Delacour 1^st in the Suncoast Stakes

It remains to be seen how she will fare outside of Tampa. I need to see if her form will carry over elsewhere. She had distance doubt going into the race off her 1^st place win in the Sandpiper Stakes at Tampa. She won impressively over the other 9 horse field and answered the two- turn question but I still question if she can keep improving. Compared to the others I don’t think she would be able to keep up. The victory ranked her 11^th in points on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard. 

1. Tonalist Shape (Tonalist) Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr.  1^st in the Forward Gal

She’s yet to race outside of South Florida, and the competition will just get tougher. A trip to Kentucky for the Oaks will be a big ask for her. She has an undefeated record so far. Her next race will be Feb 29 in the Davona Dale Stakes on Feb. 29. She has the pedigree to go the distance on Oaks day I haven’t seen anything that has been a stand out. Until I see her tested she is in the Sell column. 

1. Lake Avenue: (Tapit) Trained by Bill Mott. 1^st in the Demoiselle Stakes. 

She had her first workout since her last win in Florida. Mott said he has not picket out a race for her return yet but I am guessing the Grade 2 Davona Dale on Feb 29 at Gulfstream or the Busher on March 7 at Aqueduct would seem like logical spots. Both races are run at a one-turn mile. Lake Avenue made some noise with her win in the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes but until her next race she will stay here. 

1. Maedean: (Tapit) Trained by Mark Hennig. 2^nd in the Demoiselle Stakes.

She is another New Yorker, she was beaten by Lake Avenue in the Demoiselle. She doesn’t have as much brilliance as most on the list, but she has the pedigree to get better with age. She has had recent works in Florida and is ready to roll for her next race. Sell until next race but keep an eye on her.