By Jarrod Horak
The road to Kentucky Oaks 2024 is in full swing. Seven points races have been run and it is time to unveil my first Kentucky Oaks 2024 contenders list. First, I will recap the stakes action from the Pocahontas on Sept. 16 through the Golden Rod on Nov. 25.
Kentucky Oaks 2024 Points Race Results
Grade 3 Pocahontas (9-16-23)
Fractions – 22.83, 45.55, 1:10.24, 1:23.13, 1:36.45
Top 5 Finishers: V V’s Dream, Youalmosthadme, Hot Beach, Courbe, Riperton
The first Oaks points race featured a compact field of six and my top choice V V’s Dream was the favorite. Hot Beach dueled with Youalmosthadme through the opening quarter. The former had a small edge through a half-mile and six panels. V V’s Dream stalked from third under Brian Hernandez Jr., and she smartly moved up, took over, and pulled away by 8 3/4 lengths while under a hand ride. Youalmosthadme outfinished Hot Beach for the place and it was another 5 1/2 lengths back to Courbe. Riperton was next and Regal Rumor trailed. Ken McPeek saddled the sharp winner.
Grade 1 Alcibiades (10-6-23)
Fractions – 23.83, 48.25, 1:12.67, 1:37.67, 1:44.17
Top 5 Finishers: Candied, V V’s Dream, Alys Beach, Shimmering Allure, Brightwork
The track was fast and eight horses broke from the gate in this 1 1/6 miles event at Keeneland. Alys Beach set the pace from the inside post at 16-1 odds under Flavien Prat. Brightwork chased from second and longshot Crazy Cami chased inside. My top choice V V’s Dream was bet down to 1.48-1 and she stalked outside. Brian Hernandez Jr. rode the latter and it looked like she was in the right spot turning for home. She surged to a short lead but second timer Candied was rallying outside, and Todd Pletcher’s Candy Ride (ARG) filly had the late momentum and scored by a length under Luis Saez. V V’s Dream was clearly second best and Alys Beach held the show by a head over late running 25-1 longshot Shimmering Allure. Brightwork was a disappointing 5th and the early developer seems best around one turn. Crazy Cami, Alpine Princess, and Wine On Tap also ran.
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