1st class multiple winner and champion of DJ Stable magic wheel highlights the cast of 103 sophomores who qualified in the early nomination period to compete for the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 5 at Churchill Downs.
3-year-olds are eligible for the 1 1/8 Oaks mile contest with a $200 payout due on February 18. Athletic kids who did not qualify by the early nomination deadline may qualify through the $1,500 payment by April 15.
Wonder Wheel, coached by Hall of Famer Mark Casse, made his debut at the age of 3 in the $150,000 Suncoast Stakes at Tampa . Bay2nd place after a long shot 38-1 Dreaming of snow . Before that, the Wonder Wheel had won 2 in the Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs and in the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), both in Keeneland.
Other contenders for the Oaks include Peter Redekop .’s Del Mar Debutante (G1) winner And Tell Me Nolies ; Suncoast winner of Team Equistaff and Victory Stables Dreaming of Snow; Lucky Seven Stables Pocahontas Stakes (G3) winner Fun and energetic ; Golden Rod (G2) Winner of Gold Standard Racing Stable Hoosier Philly ; Demoiselle Stakes (G2) Winner of Stonestreet Stables Julia shines ; Winner of UAE Oaks (G3) by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Mimi Kakushi ; Godolphin’s Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2) Winner Quite mischievous ; and winner Forward Gal (G3) of Ashbrook Farm and Upland Flats Racing The red carpet is ready .
The list of nominees is available online.
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
