Updates on 2016 Kentucky Oaks Horses

Updates on 2016 Kentucky Oaks Horses: Understandably, Churchill Downs implemented a new rule to make the Kentucky Oaks more fair for fillies not named Songbird. While the field breaks early, Songbird must spot the field five lengths while carrying 140 lbs.

On a more serious note, Songbird recaptured the lead in the point standings and should start in the Oaks as a massive favorite on May 6. If there is one concern, her Beyer Speed Figures are not much higher than Ashland Stakes runners Weep No More and Rachel’s Valentina (if that matters to anyone).

Note: Polar River and Cathryn Sophia will not contest the Kentucky Oaks, leaving them off this list.

1. Songbird (190): According to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, the Santa Anita Oaks winner “will stay here and likely have her last work at Santa Anita before the Oaks and then ship.”

2. Terra Promessa (150): Obviously, no one really wants to face Songbird, but the connections seem optimistic. As seen on Racing Dudes, jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. said “She’s going to be tough for the Oaks. I’m excited.”

3. Lewis Bay (130): The Gazelle winner will go on to Churchill Downs. Trainer Chad Brown explained on Daily Racing Form, “I know you got to face a horse like Songbird … and that’s a tall task, but anything can happen.”

4. Land Over Sea (128): This filly shows no recorded workouts since capturing the Fair Grounds Oaks.

5. Weep No More (100): It does seem interesting she earned a 92 Beyer Speed Figure capturing the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland, while Songbird ran a 93 Beyer in the Santa Anita Oaks.

6. Go Maggie Go (100): No updates are floating around for the Gulfstream Park Oaks winner. Taking down the Kentucky Oaks in her third career start would be amazing.

7. Mo d’Amour (70): The Princess of Sylmar connections (Todd Pletcher, King of Prussia) campaign this filly. She ran third in the Gazelle, but has the points to continue on to Churchill Downs.

8. Venus Valentine (50): The Rachel Alexandra Stakes winner worked four furlongs in 48.60 seconds at Churchill Downs on Wednesday.

9. Mokat (50): Writer Art Wilson reported on his Twitter account that “Mokat, second behind @SongbirdFilly in the Santa Anita Oaks, will run in #KyOaks on May 6 if all goes well.”

10. Wonderment (50): According to an interview on Horse Racing Nation, co-owner Chris Sterbenz said “Honestly we haven’t decided on her next race. There are a lot of options.”

11. Rachel’s Valentina (48): Considering the layoff, she ran a great race to finish second in the Ashland Stakes. Pletcher confirmed plans to point towards the Kentucky Oaks.

12. Royal Obsession (45): Updates are scarce on the Gazelle Stakes runner-up. Is she talented enough?

13. Dream Dance (44): Last Sunday, the Fair Grounds Oaks runner-up worked five furlongs in 1:01.60.

14. Taxable (40): It looks like the second-place finisher in the Fantasy Stakes will contest the Kentucky Oaks along with stablemate Terra Promessa.

15. Paola Queen (40): The Gulfstream Park Oaks runner-up worked five furlongs in 1:03 flat on Wednesday.

The 142nd running of the Kentucky Oaks takes place at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 6, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky, just one day prior to the Kentucky Derby. The $1,000,000 Grade I race for three-year-old fillies is run on the dirt at 1 1/8 miles.