WONDER GADOT has been roaring around the Churchill Downs track and leaping with energy this week – photo by Churchill Downs/Coady Photo
David Anderson, owner of Anderson Farms in St. Thomas, Ontario, boarded a plane this Friday morning bound for Churchill Downs. He’s going to see a filly that was born on his farm, WONDER GADOT, run in the Grade 1 KENTUCKY OAKS today at about 6 p.m.
Trained by Mark Casse for owner Gary Barber, the daughter of Medaglia D’Oro – Loving Vindication by Vindication was just named Canada’s Champion Two-Year-Old Filly at the Sovereign Awards last month. She has picked away at the top fillies all spring, and though she may be 20 to 1 in the morning line she has the form of an improving filly.
“I think we need a miracle but it’s just so exciting to be in there,” said Anderson Friday morning. Anderson, who took over his late father Bob’s Anderson Farms, was nominated as Outstanding Breeder last season and the sky is the limit for his operation going forward.
WONDER GADOT will try to become only the 2nd Canadian-bred to win the Oaks. GAL IN A RUCKUS did it for owner John Oxley in 1995 and she was bred by Gus Schickedanz.
KENTUCKY OAKS FIELD AND ANALYSIS by Thoroughblog
Posts, Trainer, Jockey and Odds Sire, Last 3 Beyers starting with most recent
1. Sassy Sienna, Brad Cox, Gary Stevens, 15-1 Midshipman 82 79 79
2. Coach Rocks, Dale Romans, Luis Saez, 12-1 Oxbow 83, 83, 61
3. Classy Act, Bret Calhoun, Brian Hernandez Jr., 15-1 Into Mischief 85, 87, 79 (4th dam Rainbow Connection)
4. Chocolate Martini, Tom Amoss, Javier Castellano, 12-1 Broken Vow 88 86 64
5. Wonder Gadot, Mark Casse, John Velazquez, 20-1 Medaglia d’Oro 86 86 82 *Canadian-bred
6. Kelly’s Humor, Brad Cox, Irad Ortiz, 30-1 Midnight Lute 77 65 66
7. Rayya, Bob Baffert, Drayden Van Dyke, 15-1 Tiz Wonderfull 78 (2nd to Mendolsohhn in UAE Derby)
8. Heavenhasmynikki, Anthony Quartarolo, Calvin Borel, 30-1 Majestic Warrior 79 68 78 *5th dam Chelseanna (CAN)
9. Take Charge Paula, Kiaran McLaughlin, Jose Ortiz, 15-1 Take Charge Indy 80 80 79
10. Midnight Bisou, Bill Spawr, Mike Smith, 5-2 Midnight Lute 90 94 89
11. My Miss Lilly, Mark Hennig, Joe Bravo, 10-1 Tapit 92 81 71
12. Patrona Margarita, Bret Calhoun, Ricardo Santana Jr., 30-1 Special Rate 74 79 69 2nd dam Four O’Clock Post, Ontario bred (Jim Day) daughter of Regal Classic – Fatal Hour
13. Eskimo Kisses, Kenny McPeek, Corey Lanerie, 15-1 To Honor and serve 85 87 92 Winning Colors 2nd dam
14. Monomoy Girl, Brad Cox, Florent Geroux, 2-1 Tapizar 95 91 91
THOROUGHBLOG’S PICKS:
1 – ESKIMO KISSES – Loved the way this gal has trained this week and her stretch running style is very appealing at 9 furlongs with some good speed horses in the mix. A wet track moves her waaaaay up.
2 – MONOMOY GIRL – She is the best horse in the race going in but post 14 means she will have to use some of her speedy power early. She may be this good but she is the favourite.
3 – WONDER GADOT – Ultra consistent Canadian-bred is siting on a big race and just needs her move timed right.
4 – MIDNIGHT BISOU – The big gal from California has looked amazing all week and she is tough to place 4th in the picks in a good field.
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