The American Oaks is about to get a whole lot more exciting! Trainer Jonathan Thomas is throwing his hat into the ring with not one, but three contenders, aiming to claim his first-ever victory in this prestigious race. But here's the twist: he's up against seasoned veterans like Cherie DeVaux, Leonard Powell, Phil D'Amato, and Richard Baltas, who've already tasted success in this 1 1/4-mile turf challenge for 3-year-old fillies. This race, which originally debuted in 2002 at Hollywood Park, now calls Santa Anita home, kicking off its opening day card on December 28th (postponed from the 26th due to rain).
Thomas' trio, all under the ownership of George Strawbridge Jr.'s Augustin Stables, are no strangers to success, boasting black type credentials. However, they're still chasing that elusive Grade 1 win. And this is where it gets interesting...
- As Catch Can, fresh off a victory in the Old Dominion Oaks, has consistently placed in stakes races, including a second in the Mazarine Stakes. Joel Rosario takes the reins for the first time, adding another layer of intrigue.**
- Will Then, a proven winner with victories in the China Doll Stakes and Jimmy Durante Stakes, hasn't found the winner's circle since March but showed promise with a third in the San Clemente Handicap. Flavien Prat steps in as her new jockey.**
- Ambaya, while less experienced, boasts a solid record with a win, two seconds, a third, and a fourth in just five starts. Antonio Fresu will be guiding her in her stakes debut.**
The competition is fierce. Richard Baltas, seeking his third American Oaks win, brings Atsila, a talented filly making her North American debut after success in Europe, including a Group 3 victory. Phil D'Amato, a turf specialist, fields Slick, an Irish-bred with overnight wins at Santa Anita, aiming to break through in graded stakes company. Leonard Powell, last year's winner, saddles two contenders: Ribbons, a front-runner making her stakes debut, and Resolve, a closer who finished third behind Will Then in the Durante. Cherie DeVaux, another past winner, enters Cliffs, a consistent performer with wins at Churchill Downs and Saratoga, also making her stakes debut.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can Thomas' trio, despite their talent, overcome the experience and proven track record of their rivals? Will a newcomer like Atsila steal the show? Or will a dark horse like Resolve surprise everyone with a late surge? The American Oaks promises to be a thrilling race, leaving us all on the edge of our seats. What do you think? Who's your pick to win? Let us know in the comments below!
