Untapable was bet down to the role of heavy favorite after her dominating win in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes. The daughter of Tapit did not disappoint putting away a five horse field and establishing herself as the heavy favorite in the Kentucky Oaks.
Fiftyshadesofgold took the lead quickly out of the gate and set moderate fractions of 24 and 1 and 48 and 1 leading just off the rail and moving very efficiently on an easy lead. She took the lead into the stretch but Untapable was too much and with a burst of speed quickly put her away. She did fight on for a few strides, but was no match. She did hold 2nd down the lane.
Untapable broke from the gate well and sat in 2nd place down the backstretch while wasting no energy and looking like a winner every step of the way. Untapable came just off the rail and going into the turn engaged for the lead with Fiftyshades and surged to the lead under a snug hold and established command quickly, was in hand and drawing away with big strides and went on to the powerful, popular score. Now 4 for 6 wins and goes into the Oaks a dominating favorite with a versatile running style. She also has 2 wins over the Churchill Downs surface. Untapable dominated this edition of the Fairgrounds Oaks.
Untapable has the pedigree for 9 furlongs, a strong form cycle and back to back impressive big wins visually in small fields. She will have to use her speed to establish position in a bulkier field, but distance should not be an issue.
Unbridled Forever is a very lightly made horse, sat wide down the backstretch, made a move while 3 wide going into the turn, go within a length of the lead on the turn but was out-sprinted entering the stretch and could not stick with the top 2 when the real running began. She was virtually eased late and she most likely point to the Oaks. This was a strong race. Long Layoff move going into the turn and then eased late when she had no chance against Untapable. With a full field of 14 horses and more pace here move into the turn will look a lot more explosive.
Moving forward Untapable will get all the ink and publicity as the deserving Oaks favorite. Full fields and contentious paces have stalled many a favorite over the years in Louisville.
Unbridled Forever will benefit a lot from this run and should move forward moving into her form cycle in the Kentucky Oaks.
The Fairgrounds Oaks grades out much better than the Gulfstream Oaks. Top 2 are solid horses and Fiftyshadesofgold overall have more foundation, and speed and versatility than In Tune the Gulfstream winner. Next week we add the Gazelle, and Santa Anita Oaks and winners into the conversation.