Small field of 8 contested the Gulfstream Park Oaks. In Tune was bet down to the even money favorite based on 2/2 record at Gulfstream. Joint Return brought a 3-race win streak into the race.
Whomping Willow set the pace with In Tune tracking in second. In Tune was patiently ridden in the two path and made a small move into the pace 5 furlongs into the race while going 2 wide. Meanwhile House Rules ranged up 3 wide coming into the Clubhouse turn.
The stretch run featured In Tune on the inside and House Rules on the outside. Half way down the stretch House Rules took the lead for about 50 feet, In Tune changed leads put her nose in front at the wire to remain undefeated. The gallop out was moderate by both horses and both looked tired approaching the wire.
In Tune showed some gameness in this victory and also the ability to sit off the speed, took a push button cue to the lead on the turn and did not get rattled by House Rules when House Rules engaged to her outside. Son of Unbridled Song will always be questionable to get injured at any time and getting to the Oaks may be her biggest challenge.
House Rules got the worst of the trip while running wide, but had no excuse and was possibly may have been late when In Tune changed leads and hung the head on the wire.
Moving forward In Tune could be looking at the Kentucky Oaks now 3 for 3, House Rules has shown she fits with the top 12 horses of this generation and I expect to see her running the first Friday in May. Overall the race was solid, but have a feeling In Tune and House Rules are not as good as the horses expected to come out the Santa Anita Oaks, Fairgrounds Oaks and Gazelle Stakes.