Proud Spell Leads Kentucky Oaks

Proud Spell is just one of the many highlights at this year's Kentucky Oaks. (AP Images)

The Kentucky Oaks, traditionally carded on the Friday afternoon before the first Saturday in May, shouldn’t be lost in the shadow of the main event. This year’s edition will be more than just a worthy opening act when the Derby Festival at Churchill Downs takes center stage next weekend.

Two of the main attractions, Fair Grounds Oaks winner Proud Spell and streaking Fantasy Stakes winner Eight Belles, have lingering Kentucky Derby aspirations and may elect to pass the Oaks for a try at the big prize on Saturday. Both are trained by Larry Brown and their connections won’t make a decision until entry time. The stable mates hold two secure starting positions in the top 20, and the fates of two anxious colts with hopes to draw into the Derby will be determined by their choice.

With or without the above two in the field, the race still boasts an all-star cast of talented fillies. Several of the prominent players are getting new riders for the prestigious event.

Bobby Frankel’s Gr. 1 heroine Country Star has been training forwardly and gets the services of Rafael Bejarano. The rider’s previous mount, Golden Doc A, also a top contender, will now be ridden by Kent Desormeaux.

Bsharpsonatabreezed under jockey Eric Camacho on Wednesday at Churchill in preparation. The bay filly most recently finished second by a neck to Little Belle in the Gr. 1 Ashland Stakes.

Gr. 2 winner Pure Clan, third in the Fantasy, will now be ridden by recent Hall of Fame inductee Edgar Prado.

Gr. 1 placed A to the Croft will be ridden in the Oaks for the first time by Calvin Borel and Honest Pursuit, a 6 1/2-length maiden winner at Keeneland, will be ridden by Garrett Gomez if she starts.

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