Coaching Club American Oaks - July 23, 2011

Race Conditions:          Grade 1, 3YO Fillies, 9F, Dirt, Saratoga

Race Class Par:                            98 
Race Class Rating:                       100

Winner's Time/Quality Rating:     99

Pace:                                           Average Early, Fast/Average Middle, Average Late
Track Condition and Bias:           Honest

Race Comments: The 2011 CCA Oaks was a small but very high quality Grade 1 field. Most of the major players in the division were in the race. R heat Lighting (who is back in training for Todd Pletcher), Turbulent Descent, Zazu, and St. Johns River were missing, but all but R Heat Lighting have been beaten by horses in this field on dirt.  

Notable Performances:

1. It's Tricky  -  In my review of the Acorn Stakes, I suggested that It's Tricky had moved to the head of the division (at least until R Heat Lighting gets a chance to show where she fits).  In the CCA Oaks she did nothing to change that view.  IMO, the $10.60 payoff was a gift.  It's Tricky stalked 3w first turn, 2w second turn, and slowly wore down pace setting Plum Pretty late in an excellent performance.   


2. Plum Pretty - 2w first turn, set the pace in hand while It's Tricky remained close, very game until deep stretch.  Plum Pretty is probably as good as anyone going 8F or 8.5F, but 9F does not appear to be her optimal distance at this stage.  


3. Royal Delta  - 3w first turn while trailing the field,  rallied 2w second turn, swung out, but could not threaten the top two. IMO Royal Delta was over bet off an easy trip win at Pimlico in the Black Eyed Susan.  However, she missed some training heading into this race, could be sharper for the Alabama, and may make it more of a race at 10F.