Kentucky Oaks Fillies Join Derby Hopefuls for Final Tune Ups

[Wandering Eyes]

The ladies joined the colts as final preparations commenced not just for the GI Kentucky Derby next weekend, but the GI Kentucky Oaks as well, with Tenma (Nyquist) leading the parade Saturday morning.

With Martin Garcia in the saddle for the four-furlong work over a 'good' track, the Bob Baffert trainee went through her paces in a final clocking of :48.40 from Baffert, and later confirmed by the track clockers. Tenma's five furlong gallop out was noted as 1:01.

“He's good; he can really work one,” said Baffert before the work in reference to the jockey. Garcia will be aboard Citizen Bull in next Saturday's Kentucky Derby. “For a while there, I thought he had a clock in his head. I told [Garcia] I wanted him to go in :48 [for the half mile] today, so let's see how he does.”

Afterwards, Baffert said he was pleased with her effort.

Tenma is one of the favorites for the 151st Kentucky Oaks, and has California's leading rider Juan Hernandez in the saddle for the big dance.

Likewise, newcomer Fondly (Upstart) worked five furlongs on a fast track in 1:02.20 with Irad Ortiz Jr. on her back for trainer Graham Motion. A solo move, she produced sectionals of :24.60, :37.60, 1:02.20 and galloped out six panels in 1:15.20 in a move Ortiz was happy with afterwards.

“I like her a lot,” Ortiz said. “She was good this morning and very comfortable. She's got a great mind and very professional.”

When asked his thoughts about his charge being the least experienced of the bunch with only two lifetime starts, Motion held the Virginia Oaks victress to high esteem.

“It is not something I do with every horse, but her half-brother [Antiquarian, who recently made a victorious return to the races] won the [1 1/8-mile, GIII] Peter Pan,” Motion said. “She has stepped up in distance every time and I think she can handle it.”

The conditioner will be in town Wednesday, and said his filly will have gate and paddock schooling prior to the Oaks.

GSP Anna's Promise (Promises Fulfilled) and GSW Ballerina d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) were also sighted Saturday putting in their final works ahead of Friday. The former, trained by Carlos David, traveled five furlongs in 1:00.40 in company with John Ortiz runner Covert Law (Tiz the Law) and galloped out six in 1:13.60. The latter went a half-mile in :48 for trainer Chad Brown.

“I thought it was a really good move,” Brown said. “She got over the surface well.”

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