Fantasy last shot to earn points for Kentucky Oaks

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The road leading to the Kentucky Oaks reaches its final stop Friday at Oaklawn Park. The Grade 3, $400,000 Fantasy is the last opportunity for 3-yearold fillies to pick up qualifying points for the May 5 classic at Churchill Downs.

The sense of urgency is evident. The Fantasy, at 1 1/16 miles, drew a full field of 12, including Southern Californiabased fillies Vexatious and Spooky Woods; local prospects Chanel’s Legacy, Benner Island, and Ever So Clever; and Sunland Park Oaks runnerup Kell Paso. At stake are 170 points, to be divided among the first four finishers on a scale of 100-40-20-10.

The Fantasy shares the meet’s penultimate card with the Grade 1, $600,000 Apple Blossom.

FANTASY STAKES, RACE 8 KEY CONTENDERS

Vexatious, by Giant’s Causeway Last 3 Beyers: 81-75-67

◗ She faced probable Kentucky Oaks favorite Farrell last out, finishing third in the Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks on April 1. Vexatious raced with the pace and finished 3 1/4 lengths behind the victorious Farrell. Trainer Neil Drysdale said there are reasons for a move forward Friday.

“We just shipped in on top of the race, and she was a little eager,” he said. “She was up on the pace, where we don’t really necessarily want her on the pace. So, hopefully, she’ll be more settled this race.

“I think it might have been too much for her [last time], in as much as she’s inexperienced, to blow out in California, fly into New Orleans, and run off the plane. I think we have more rhythm going into the race here.”

◗ Vexatious, who has made four starts, was shipped to Oaklawn following the Fair Grounds Oaks. She is bred for local success, in a sense, as her dam, Dream of Summer, won the 2005 Apple Blossom. Vexatious, who races for Calumet Farm, is a full sister to both Grade 1 winner Creative Cause and Grade 2 winner Destin.

“I think she’s going to develop into a top filly, is my anticipation and hope,” Drysdale said. “You know, she has every right to. She’s a great-looking, strong filly. She’s a little bit inexperienced, so she has to learn a little bit more about racing.”

Benner Island, by Speightstown Last 3 Beyers: 85-67-79

◗ She ran one of the best races of her career last out when second in the Grade 3 Honeybee at Oaklawn on March 11. Benner Island, who races for Shortleaf Stable, broke from post 11 and finished a length behind winner It Tiz Well.

“It was a big effort,” said trainer Brad Cox. “She broke from the outside, had a little bit of a wide trip around both turns. I was proud of her.

“I like the timing of this race, back in almost five weeks. She’s doing extremely well. She’s had three really nice breezes since the last race. And she’s got a better post position Friday as opposed to her last two. She’s been stuck on the outside her last two races.

“I think the blinkers helped her out a little last time, just put her up in the game a little bit earlier, and I think that’s what she wants to do,” said Cox.

◗ Breaks from post 3 under Ricardo Santana Jr.

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