Kentucky Oaks 2014; Bob Baffert “happy” with Ria Antonia

Kentucky Oaks 2014; Bob Baffert “happy” with Ria Antonia: Ria Antonia is on the leader board with 55 points and is set to run in the Longines Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 2, 2014. Ria Antonia and jockey Rosie Napravnik worked the Churchill Downs track on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 and were clocked the third fastest out of a total of fifteen horses going six furlongs.

Kentucky Oaks contender Ria Antonia arrived to Louisville, Kentucky from Southern California on Monday, April 21, 2014. Trainer Bob Baffert was happy with the filly’s performance after her workout saying, “I was happy with the work. She went really nice and moved well over the track.”

Rio Antonia was foaled on April 4th, 2011 with sire Rockport Harbor and Dam Beer Baroness. Ria Antonia actually is the top offspring from grade 2 winning sire Rockport Harbor, though Rockport Harbor has another offspring, Rise Up, who was also on the trail to the Kentucky Derby. Ria Antonia is trained by Hall of Famer trainer Bob Baffert, who won the Kentucky Derby back to back in 1997 and 1998. Ria Antonia is owned by Christopher T. Dunn and Loooch Racing Stable, Inc. Loooch Racing Stable, Inc. is owned by Ron Paolucci. The three-year-old filly was bred by Lynn B. Schiff.

Ria Antonia has been busy competing this race year to qualify for the 2014 Kentucky Oaks. First on November 2nd, 2013, Ria Antonia had a big win at the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita Park coming in 1st place at the grade 1 1 1/16 mile race. Then on February 22nd, 2014 at the grade 3 Rachel Alexandra Stakes at Fair Grounds, Ria Antonia came in 4th place at the 1 1/16 mile race. Most recently, Ria Antonia competed in the April 5th, 2014 grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks (see recap/replay) at Santa Anita Park and came in second place at the 1 1/16 mile race behind Fashion Plate.

Ria Antonia is trained by Hall of Famer trainer Bob Baffert, who won the Kentucky Derby back to back in 1997 and 1998. Ria Antonia is owned by Christopher T. Dunn and Loooch Racing Stable, Inc. Loooch Racing Stable, Inc. is owned by Ron Paolucci.

Ria Antonio will team up with jockey Mike Smith for the 2014 Kentucky Oaks. Mike Smith was on board Rio Antonia for their 2nd place finish in the Santa Anita Oaks. Last year, Mike Smith led 2013 Kentucky Oaks winner Princess of Sylmar across the finish line first.

Ria Antonia had some notable career honors besides the 1st place finish at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in 2013, including the 2013 Champion 2-year-old filly Sovereign Award, and being a Graded Stakes winner.

Kentucky Oaks 2014 Post Positions and Odds
1 Please Explain 50-1 Jose Lezcano
2 Ria Antonia 10-1 Mike Smith
3 Sugar Shock 12-1 Calvin Borel
4 Rosalind 8-1 Joel Rosario
5 Thank You Marylou 30-1 Julien Leparoux
6 Kiss Moon 30-1 Victor Espinoza
7 Fashion Plate 6-1 Gary Stevens
8 Aurelia’s Belle 50-1 Channing Hill
9 Unbridled Forever 12-1 Robby Albarado
10 Empress Of Midway 50-1 Corey Nakatani
11 My Miss Sophia 8-1 Javier Castellano
12 Got Lucky 20-1 John Velazquez
13 Untapable 4-5 Rosie Napravnik

Kentucky Derby 2014 Post Positions and Odds