With only 14 starting-gate spots available in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), qualifying points for the May 2 race at Churchill Downs are exceedingly important at this time of year. The April 7 Ashland Stakes (G1) at Keeneland offers 100-50-25-15-10 points to the top 5 finishers, which makes it a last-chance opportunity for one or two of these 3-year-old fillies to wrap up a spot in the "first Friday in May" classic.
The Ashland was originally scheduled to be the featured stakes of Keeneland's traditional opening day on the first Friday in April, April 4; however, due to an inclement weather forecast, the track moved the entire April 4 card to Monday.
1. Look Forward: Got off to a sluggish start in the Honeybee Stakes (G3) and never fired. Could bounce back with a better effort here from the rail. She is cross entered in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) but is expected to race in the Ashland
JOCKEY: Mario Gutierrez; TRAINER: Michael McCarthy
2. La Cara: She's seventh on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard with 51.75, which may be enough to qualify for the Oaks based on what happens this weekend. She should be close to the lead and with three wins and a second in her last five starts, she's a threat to win and a filly who definitely belongs in the exotics.
JOCKEY: Dylan Davis; TRAINER: Mark Casse
3. Supa Speed: Comes off a sharp try when beaten a nose in the Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park while racing on dirt for the first time. Has enough speed to sit just off the lead and will be a main threat on her best try.
JOCKEY: Joel Rosario; TRAINER: John Sadler
4. Muhimma: Was a one-paced third in the Honeybee as the 4-5 favorite. Workouts indicate she's a prime candidate to return to top form here.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Brad Cox
5. Running Away: Is unbeaten on dirt with two front-running wins, topped by a victory in the 1 1/8-mile Busanda Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack. If she gets away with moderate early fractions, she will be hard to reel in.
JOCKEY: Gerardo Corrales; TRAINER: Wesley Ward
6. Take Charge Milady: Had a very troubled trip when 10th in the Honeybee as a 4-1 choice. Gets trainer Ken McPeek's main man in jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. and seems poised for a top effort.
JOCKEY: Brian J. Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Ken McPeek
7. Amarth: Was second in the Busher Stakes at Aqueduct but will need to take a step forward with her speed figures to be a win threat.
JOCKEY: Luis Saez; TRAINER: Eddie Kenneally
8. Admit: Is stakes-placed twice on the all-weather surface at Turfway Park and faces a tough task from the outside post in her first graded stakes.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Tom Drury Jr.
THE PICK: Muhimma
LIVE LONGSHOT: Take Charge Milady
SUPERFECTA: 4-3-2-6
