Saratoga Weekend Stakes Video: CCAO & Shuvee

This horse racing video featuring analysis of the CCAO (July 22) and Shuvee (July 23)     

Check out my handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest. 

Breeders' Cup Distaff 2022 Video Preview Featuring Nest and Malathaat

Here is my latest horse racing video featuring a preview of the 2022 BC Distaff at Keeneland.  

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Breeders' Cup Saturday 2022 Video Preview Part 2

Here is my latest horse racing video featuring a preview of Keeneland's BC Saturday program.  

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Saratoga Handicapping Video: Grade 1 Alabama Stakes with Nest

Here is my latest horse racing video featuring G1 Alabama analysis for 8-20-22. 

Check out free stakes picks, Del Mar full card analysis, and more at The Runaway Horse. 

Coaching Club American Oaks & Shuvee Stakes Picks from Saratoga Race Course

Here is my latest horse racing video featuring CCAO & Shuvee analysis from Saratoga.  

Check out free stakes picks, Del Mar full card analysis, and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Belmont Stakes 2022 Preview Video

 Here is my latest horse racing video featuring a Belmont Stakes 2022 preview. 

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Final #KyOaks 2022 Video Including Top Pick

Here is my latest horse racing video featuring final analysis of the Kentucky Oaks 2022. 

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5 Most Likely Kentucky Oaks 2022 Winners Featuring Nest and Echo Zulu

Here is my latest horse racing video featuring the 5 most likely #KyOaks 2022 winners. 

Check out free stakes picks, Santa Anita card analysis, and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Kentucky Oaks 2022 Report: Nest Powers Away in Ashland Stakes

Kathleen O. proved that she was a legitimate Kentucky Oaks 2022 contender after winning for the fourth time in as many outings in the GP Oaks (G2) on April 2. In other Oaks points race action last weekend, Yuugiri wired the field in the Fantasy, and bomber Candy Raid rolled to a big victory in the Bourbonette Oaks. Not to be outdone, my top ranked Oaks contender Nest rolled home like a good thing in the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland on Friday, April 8.

Kentucky Oaks 2022 Points Race Results

GP Oaks (4-2-22) - Winner: Kathleen O. ($3.00)

Only six lined up in this 8.5f Oaks prep, and there was not much depth. Two horses took all the betting action and they dominated. Goddess of Fire got first run for Saez/Pletcher, but Kathleen O. made a strong wide run, swept past the aforementioned Pletcher trainee, and scored by an easy 2+ lengths. Goddess of Fire ran a winning race but just hooked a better rival while 17+ clear of show finisher Running Legacy. Amani’s Image, Blustery, and Cancel This also ran. The final time was 1:43.75.

Fantasy (4-2-22) - Winner: Yuugiri ($10.20)

This race lost much of its luster when Secret Oath opted for the Arkansas Derby (G1). Eda was the morning line favorite, but she came down with a fever and scratched. It appears as though there would be a contested pace, but Yuugiri got to the front and gamely held off stalker Beguine to score by a half-length. Bubble Rock stayed forward throughout and was best of the rest in 3rd. I Feel the Need, beaten favorite Dream Lith, Heartyconstitution, Mariah’s Fortune, and Magic Circle completed the order of finish. The final time was 1:43.65 and I seriously doubt we saw the Oaks winner in this watered down event.

Bourbonette Oaks (4-2-22) - Winner: Candy Raid ($106.60)

Bombs away in this all-weather Oaks prep at 8.5f. Twelve runners broke from the gate, and 52-1 longshot Candy Raid went last-to-first to win by a stunningly easy 4+ lengths for Bejarano/Keith D. Tap Dancing Lady finished in a dead-heat for 2nd with Florida shipper Catiche, and North County and Mrs. Barbara followed those two. Scholfmitz, beaten chalk Sandstone, Vergara, Heavenly Hellos, Let’s Be Clear, Red Hot Mama, and Champagne Poetry also ran. The finish time was 1:42.96.

Ashland (4-8-22) - Winner: Nest ($5.40)

My top ranked Oaks contender Nest glided across the wet fast footing in this 8.5f affair. Interstatedaydream beat Happy Soul to the front after the latter was bumped at the start. Those two were clear after a half-mile, but Nest was moving sweetly outside under Irad Ortiz Jr. Her rider knew it was a short stretch and needed to attack earlier, and did she ever. She sailed to the front and widened to score by 8+ lengths. Cocktail Moments rallied to nip Interstatedaydream for the runner-up spot, and they were clear of weakening stalker Awake At Midnyte. The rest were of no consequence including distance challenged Happy Soul. The final time was 1:44.16 and the winner is a solid Oaks win contender at a distance she should love.

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Kentucky Oaks 2022 Points Race Results
Pocahontas (10-4-2-1) - Sep. 18 - Winner: Hidden Connection
Chandelier (10-4-2-1) - Oct. 1 - Winner: Ain’t Easy
Frizette (10-4-2-1) - Oct. 3 - Winner: Echo Zulu
Alcibiades (10-4-2-1) - Oct. 8 - Winner: Juju’s Map
BC Juvenile Fillies (20-8-4-2) - Nov. 5 - Winner: Echo Zulu
Golden Rod (10-4-2-1) - Nov. 27 - Winner: Dream Lith
Demoiselle (10-4-2-1) - Dec. 4 - Winner: Nest
Starlet (10-4-2-1) - Dec. 4 - Winner: Eda
Untapable (10-4-2-1) - Dec. 26 - Winner: North County
Sant Ynez (10-4-2-1) - Jan. 8 - Winner: Under the Stars
Silverbulletday (10-4-2-1) - Jan. 22 - Winner: La Crete
Busanda (10-4-2-1) - Jan. 23 - Winner: Magic Circle
Martha Washington (10-4-2-1) - Jan. 29 - Winner: Secret Oath
Forward Gal (10-4-2-1) - Feb. 5 - Winner: Girl With a Dream
Las Virgenes (10-4-2-1) - Feb. 6 - Winner: Adare Manor
Suncoast (10-4-2-1) - Feb. 12 - Winner: Nest
UAE Oaks (50-20-10-5) - Feb. 17 - Winner: Shahama
Rachel Alexandra (50-20-10-5) - Feb. 19 - Winner: Turnerloose
Honeybee (50-20-10-5) - Feb. 26.- Winner: Secret Oath
Cincinnati Trophy (10-4-2-1) - March 5 - Winner: Bubble Rock
Davona Dale (50-20-10-5) - March 5 - Winner: Kathleen O.
Busher (50-20-10-5) - March 5 - Winner: Venti Valentine
Santa Ysabel (50-20-10-5) - March 6 - Winner: Eda
FG Oaks (100-40-20-10) - March 26 - Winner Echo Zulu
Sunland Park Oaks (50-20-10-5) - March 27 - Winner: Cleopatras Charge
GP Oaks (100-40-20-10) - April 2 - Winner: Kathleen O.
Fantasy (100-40-20-10) - April 2 - Winner: Yuugirl
Bourbonette Oaks (50-20-10-5) - April 2 - Winner: Candy Raid
Ashland (100-40-20-10) - April 8 - Winner: Nest
​
Upcoming Oaks Points Races
Gazelle (100-40-20-10) - April 9
SA Oaks (100-40-20-10) - April 9
Beaumont (10-4-2-1) - April 10

Top 20 Kentucky Oaks Points Leaders (through 4-8-22)
​
150 Points: Kathleen O.

130 Points: Echo Zulu

120 Points: Nest

114 Points: Yuugiri

80 Points: Secret Oath

62 Points: Goddess of Fire

60 Points: Turnerloose

57 Points: Hidden Connection

54 Points: Venti Valentine

52 Points: Cocktail Moments

51 Points: Candy Raid

50 Points: Shahama

30 Points: Bubble Rock

24 Points: Awake At Midnyte

23 Points: Magic Circle

21 Points: Shotgun Hottie

20 Points: Ain’t Easy, Favor, Classy Edition

18 Points: Juju’s Map

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Jarrod Horak’s Fabulous Five Kentucky Oaks 2022 Contenders (4-8-22)   

#1 - NEST - Followed up a smart Suncoast win with a razor sharp triumph in Ashland (G1). 

#2 - SECRET OATH - Solid 3rd in April 2 Arkansas Derby (G1). Dominated 3yo fillies at OP this year.

#3 - KATHLEEN O. - Shug’s Late running filly is 4-for-4. She was excellent in GP Oaks (G2) April 2.

#4 - ECHO ZULU - 2YO filly champ just held on in less than spectacular FG Oaks (G2) return.     

#5 - AIN’T EASY - Returned with okay 3rd in Santa Ysabel (G3). Needs to move up in April 9 SA Oaks (G2).

Article by Jarrod Horak (originally posted at The Runaway Horse on 4-8-22)

Please visit The Runaway Horse Sales page to purchase my SANTA ANITA full card picks.

#KyDerby + #KyOaks Video Series: Blue Grass & Ashland Stakes

Here is my latest horse racing video featuring analysis of the Ashland & Blue Grass from Keeneland.     

Check out free stakes picks, Santa Anita card analysis, and more at The Runaway Horse. 

Kentucky Oaks 2022 Video Series: March Update Featuring Nest, Secret Oath, Echo Zulu

Here is my latest horse racing video featuring Kentucky Oaks 2022 hopefuls Nest, Secret Oath, Echo Zulu.     

Check out free stakes picks, Santa Anita card analysis, and more at The Runaway Horse. 

Kentucky Oaks 2022 Report: Echo Zulu On Top

The road to Kentucky Oaks 2022 kicked off in Kentucky with the Pocahontas (G3) under the Twin Spires Sept. 18, and five other points races followed including the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Del Mar on Friday, Nov. 5. Echo Zulu is the early leader of this division and will almost be certainly named 2-year-old filly champ after back-to-back G1 wins in the Frizette and BC Juvenile Fillies. There are two more Oaks points races this week and it is time to unveil my first Oaks 2022 Fabulous Five contenders. I will update this blog frequently in the coming weeks and months, and make sure to check out my Oaks points race video series as well. 

Kentucky Oaks 2022 Prep Race News & Results

Ain’t Easy (Winner: G2 Chandelier)

Went from debut sprint winner to graded dirt route winner in a six-week stretch. She was expected to be one of the top contenders in the BC Juvenile Fillies but was injured preparing for that race. She underwent surgery for a small chip in her left front ankle and is expected to target the 2022 Oaks if all goes well.

Dream Lith (Winner: G2 Golden Rod)

My 8-1 value top choice Yuugiri set the pace and turned away strong favorite Sandstone, but she could not hold off late runner Dream Lith ($20.20). The latter was exiting a well-beaten 5th in the Alcibiades (G1), and adding blinkers in this spot did the trick. Yuugiri ended up a length behind the winner and 3+ in front of Sandstone. Famed checked in an even 4th from the rail for Brad Cox. The final time was 1:44.72. For comparison, Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) hero Smile Happy navigated the same distance one race later in 1:43.94.

Echo Zulu (Winner: G1 Frizette & G1 BC Juvenile Fillies)

Wrapped up the 2yo filly title with a very easy front running victory in the BC Juvenile Fillies, and she was just as impressive in the Frizette. She was just too quick for her rivals this year, and it will be interesting to see how she develops as we head into 2022.

Hidden Connection (Winner: G3 Pocahontas) 

She dominated the Pocahontas Stakes but that was not a strong event. Many of the runners from that heat struggled in their subsequent starts, including Hidden Connection, a well-beaten 4th in the BC Juvenile Fillies.

Juju’s Map (Winner: G1 Alcibiades; 2nd in G1 BC Juvenile Fillies)

Stretched out to one mile and smartly graduated second time out at Ellis Park, and stalked from the inside post and kicked away in the Alcibiades. She gave futile chase to Echo Zulu in the BC Juvenile Fillies, but never gave up and outgamed Tarabi for the runner-up spot (Top 3 miles clear of Hidden Connection). She has strong Oaks influence A. P. Indy on the dam sire of her pedigree and that bodes well for her chances to get a mile and an eighth next year.

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Kentucky Oaks 2022 Points Race Results
Pocahontas (10-4-2-1) - Sep. 18 - Winner: Hidden Connection
Chandelier (10-4-2-1) - Oct. 1 - Winner: Ain’t Easy
Frizette (10-4-2-1) - Oct. 3 - Winner: Echo Zulu
Alcibiades (10-4-2-1) - Oct. 8 - Winner: Juju’s Map
BC Juvenile Fillies (20-8-4-2) - Nov. 5 - Winner: Echo Zulu
Golden Rod (10-4-2-1) - Nov. 27 - Winner: Dream Lith

Upcoming Oaks Points Races
Demoiselle (10-4-2-1) - Dec. 4
Starlet (10-4-2-1) - Dec. 4
Santa Ynez (10-4-2-1) - Jan. 9, 2022
Silverbulletday (10-4-2-1) - Jan. 22
Martha Washington (10-4-2-1) - Jan. 29
Busanda (10-4-2-1) - Jan. 30
Forward Gal (10-4-2-1) - Feb. 5
Suncoast (10-4-2-1) - Feb. 5
Las Virgenes (10-4-2-1) - Feb. 12
UAE Oaks (50-20-10-5) - Feb. 17
Rachel Alexandra (50-20-10-5) - Feb. 19
Honeybee (50-20-10-5) - Feb. 26
Cincinnati Trophy (10-4-2-1) - March 4
Davona Dale (50-20-10-5) - March 5
Busher (50-20-10-5) - March 12
Santa Ysabel (50-20-10-5) - March 13
FG Oaks (100-40-20-10) - March 26
Sunland Park Oaks (50-20-10-5) - March 26
GP Oaks (100-40-20-10) - April 2
Fantasy (100-40-20-10) - April 2
Bourbonette Oaks (50-20-10-5) - April 2
Beaumont (10-4-2-1) - April 8
Gazelle (100-40-20-10) - April 9
Ashland (100-40-20-10) - April 9
SA Oaks (100-40-20-10) - April 9

Kentucky Oaks Points Leaders (through 12-2-21)

30 Points: Echo Zulu
18 Points: Juju’s Map
12 Points: Hidden Connection
10 Points: Dream Lith, Ain’t Easy
5 Points: Mama Rina
4 Points: Tarabi, Gerrymander, Yuugiri, Distinctlypossible, Electric Ride
2 Points: Sandstone, Sequist, A Mo Reay, Goddess of Fire, Desert Dawn
1 Point: Magic Circle, Famed, Code for Success

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Jarrod Horak’s Fabulous Five Kentucky Oaks 2022 Contenders (12-2-21)   

#1 - ECHO ZULU - Here is your 2YO filly champ. Her speed overwhelmed the competition this year. Let’s see if she continues to develop for Steve Asmussen.

#2 - JUJU’S MAP - G1 Alcibiades winner no match for Echo Zulu in G1 BC Juvenile Fillies. She remains a promising sort for Brad Cox.

#3 - NEST - Tempted show finisher goes next in G2 Demoiselle. She is bred to be any kind for Todd Pletcher. 

#4 - TAP THE FAITH - Christophe Clement’s $1.25 million filly went last-to-first in 8f bow. She is a solid contender in Saturday’s Demoiselle.

#5 - COCKTAIL MOMENTS - Sure wowed ‘em late in her 7f bow at CD Nov. 27. From PP 11, she rolled home by 9+ for Ken McPeek. She should be stakes bound in the near future. 

Article by Jarrod Horak (originally posted at The Runaway Horse website)

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