CALIFORNIA OAKS<\/B> <\/P>
CA, 8.5F dirt, $400,000, 3yo Fillies<\/B> <\/P>
Stakes Record: 1:41 4\/5<\/B> <\/P>
WELCOME!<\/B><\/P>
This is the 10<\/I>th<\/I><\/SUP> running of the California Oaks.\u00a0The inaugural running of the stakes race was March 13<\/I>th<\/I><\/SUP>, 1999 and showcased a short field of 7 runners.\u00a0For the last six years, however, the field has been nothing short of 14 fillies.\u00a0As a prep race for the Bluegrass Oaks, surprisingly enough, this race has only produced four Bluegrass Oaks winners, and only one filly has won both races, <\/I>Armed With Money (2006)<\/I><\/B>.\u00a0The current stakes record of <\/I>1:41-4\/5<\/I><\/B> is held by two talented fillies: <\/I>Livvi\u2019s Lass (2003)<\/I><\/B> and <\/I>Edge Hopper (2004)<\/I><\/B>.\u00a0<\/I> <\/P> Let\u2019s take a look at past California Oaks runners to see where it led them:<\/B> <\/P> 1999<\/B>: Virginia Well \u2013PP4 (7).\u00a0The filly led throughout to win by 4 with a 97sp.\u00a0Was 4<\/I>th<\/I><\/SUP> choice at the betting window. 1:43 3\/5<\/I> <\/P> BG Oaks:\u00a0was not run in 1999<\/I> <\/P> 2000<\/B>: Wooden Vice \u2013 PP5 (12).\u00a0Wired the field to win by 4, 102sp.\u00a0Betting favorite.\u00a01:43-<\/I> <\/P> BG Oaks placing: 2<\/I>nd<\/I><\/SUP> <\/P> BG Oaks winner: DNR in the CA Oaks<\/I> <\/P> 2001<\/B>: Newbie\u2019s Dream \u2013 PP 8 (10).\u00a0Stalked early, won by 2 \u00bd with a 106sp. 2<\/I>nd<\/I><\/SUP> choice at the windows.\u00a01:42 3\/5<\/I> <\/P> BG Oaks placing:\u00a04<\/I>th<\/I><\/SUP> <\/I><\/P> BG Oaks winner:\u00a0Jeremy\u2019s Nijinsky, 2<\/I>nd<\/I><\/SUP> in CA Oaks<\/I><\/P> 2002<\/B>: Madreach\u2019s Fnas(gb) \u2013 PP6 (14). Stalked early, won by 5 \u00bd with a 111sp. 10\/1 odds. 1:42-<\/I><\/P> BG Oaks placing:\u00a0DNR<\/I> <\/P> BG Oaks winner:\u00a0DNR in the CA Oaks <\/I><\/P> 2003<\/B>: Livvi\u2019s Lass \u2013 PP 5 (14).\u00a0Came from mid-pack, won by 1 \u00bc with a 113sp, Betting favorite. 1:41 4\/5<\/I> <\/P> BG Oaks placing:\u00a012<\/I>th<\/I><\/SUP> <\/I><\/P> BG Oaks winner:\u00a0DNR in the CA Oaks<\/I> <\/P> Note: CA Oaks runner-up, Wolf Of Queensland ran 3<\/I>rd<\/I><\/SUP> in BG Derby<\/I> <\/P> 2004<\/B>: Edge Hopper \u2013 PP3 (14). Came from mid-pack, won by 2 with a 114sp, Betting favorite. 1:41 4\/5<\/I> <\/P> BG Oaks placing:\u00a0DNR<\/I> <\/P> BG Oaks winner:\u00a0Texas Tornado, 3<\/I>rd<\/I><\/SUP> in CA Oaks<\/I> <\/P> Note: Edge Hoper ran 6<\/I>th<\/I><\/SUP> in BG Derby<\/I> <\/P> 2005<\/B>: Lovaluce \u2013 PP3 (14). Stalked early, won by 1 with a 103sp, Betting favorite. 1:42 3\/5<\/I> <\/P> BG Oaks placing:\u00a07<\/I>th<\/I><\/SUP> <\/I><\/P> BG Oaks winner:\u00a0Swift Kick, 5<\/I>th<\/I><\/SUP> in CA Oaks<\/I> <\/P> 2006<\/B>: Armed With Money \u2013 PP3 (14). Closed from way back to win by 1 with a 102sp, 10\/1 odds. 1:42 2\/5<\/I><\/P> BG Oaks placing:\u00a01<\/I>st<\/I><\/SUP> <\/I><\/P> Note: only filly to win both races<\/I> <\/P> 2007<\/B>: Zarallana(ire) \u2013 PP1 (14). Stalked early, won by 2 with a 94sp, 10\/1 odds. 1:43 2\/5<\/I> <\/P> BG Oaks placing:\u00a03<\/I>rd<\/I><\/SUP> <\/I><\/P> BG Oaks winner:\u00a0DNR in the CA Oaks<\/I> <\/P> OVERALL<\/B>:<\/I><\/P> Most winningest PP<\/U><\/B>: 3 (produced 3 winners), PP: 5 (produced 2 winners)<\/I> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Other winning posts<\/U>: 1, 4, 6, & 8<\/I> <\/P> Best Odds<\/U><\/B>: 4 winners were favorites, 1 was 2nd<\/SUP>-choice, 3 were 10\/1, and 1 was 4\/1.<\/P> Winning move<\/U><\/B>: 6 of the winners have either led or been within 3 of the lead.<\/I> <\/P> Best Pick Jockeys<\/U><\/B>:<\/I> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0F Ford (1st<\/SUP> & 3rd<\/SUP>) \u2013 No mount<\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0M Staples (2nd<\/SUP>, 2nd<\/SUP>, 3rd<\/SUP>) \u2013 Dreamy Cat 15\/1<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0E Land (2nd<\/SUP> & 2nd<\/SUP>) \u2013 Battle Music 15\/1<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0N Bonus (2nd<\/SUP> & 3rd<\/SUP>) \u2013 No mount<\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0T Bates (2nd<\/SUP> & 3rd<\/SUP>) \u2013 Bellissima G 5\/1<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0R Simcox (1st<\/SUP>) \u2013 Annana 24\/1<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0F Gossett (1st<\/SUP>) \u2013 Nehi Orange 9\/2<\/P> In 2008, the California Oaks has 4 graded winners loading into the gate on Saturday.\u00a0There are some very talented frontrunners in this race, which could set up perfectly for the deep closers of the field.\u00a0Let\u2019s check out the horses (listed in order of rank).<\/P> NEHI ORANGE (Light Grey 3yoF by Unbridled\u2019s Song, out of Windham County<\/U>, A.P. Indy x Alleged): Rank: 1, G1 Winner<\/I><\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Nehi Orange<\/B>\u2019s 2yo season up to the Breeder\u2019s Bowl was fairly average.\u00a0She broke her maiden at first asking \u2013 dueling on the lead and winning a head bob.\u00a0Her next two starts came in overnight stakes where the filly proved headstrong, again battling on the lead only to fail near the wire, finishing 2nd<\/SUP> in both.\u00a0Many trainers would look at those performances and fear that the filly couldn\u2019t handle stretching out.\u00a0Trainer Hillhouse<\/I> knew better.\u00a0Nehi Orange\u2019s<\/B> fourth start came in a restricted 8F allowance.\u00a0The filly broke well and quickly got down to business, opening up a comfortable lead.\u00a0She held off challenges and crossed the wire first.\u00a0With a 2nd<\/SUP> victory notched on her belt, Nehi Orange<\/B> was placed in another overnight stakes.\u00a0As predicted, the quick-footed filly jumped to the lead, but she had company this time.\u00a0After burning herself up she could only manage 2nd<\/SUP>-best at the wire.\u00a0Hillhouse<\/I> was still hopeful.\u00a0The filly was showing her trainer something special in the morning sessions\u2026 Hillhouse<\/I> just had to figure out how to get the filly to produce on the track.\u00a0A third in the 8.5F Margarine Stakes-G2<\/I> earned her a birth into the BB Juvenile Filly-G1<\/I>.\u00a0There was a lot of early speed in the race so jockey P Munoz decided to take her back in an attempt to rate her.\u00a0Nehi Orange<\/B> wanted nothing of it, fighting the hold.\u00a0As the pack turned for home, P Munoz nudged Nehi Orange<\/B>.\u00a0The filly responded momentarily, but quickly ran out of steam.\u00a0She had nothing left, finishing 5th<\/SUP>, 3 lengths behind Ten Year Storm<\/B> (Dreamy Cat<\/B>, 2nd<\/SUP>).\u00a0A short 4 weeks later, Nehi Orange<\/B> was entered in an 8F overnight stakes.\u00a0The jockey was instructed to let the filly have the lead.\u00a0Nehi Orange<\/B> won by 1 length.\u00a0Her final 2yo start came in the 8F Mother Story Hcp-G1<\/I>.\u00a0The filly replicated her performance for her prior race, this time winning by 1 \u00bd lengths.<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Nehi Orange<\/B> was given a well-deserved 7 weeks rest.\u00a0Hillhouse<\/I> picked out the 8.5F Vermont Is 4 Lovers-G1<\/I>.\u00a0Mile and sixteenth had been her most unfavorable distance to-date, but this day in February would be different.\u00a0The filly broke sharply from the gate.\u00a0She took command and held an authoritative lead throughout.\u00a0Nehi Orange<\/B> won the race by 1 \u00bd lengths with a 105sp.\u00a0The race notched a 2nd<\/SUP> G1 victory and boosted her to the #1 spot. <\/P> DREAMY CAT (Bay 3yoF by Bluegrass Cat, out of Northern Dancer x Secretariat): Rank: 10, G3 Winner<\/I><\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dreamy Cat<\/B> debuted as a 2yo on the turf, but after a lackluster run trainer Elzid<\/I> quickly switched to the main track.\u00a0The filly finally broke her maiden in her 4th<\/SUP> start.\u00a0The filly led throughout, but the race was a short 5F.\u00a0Elzid<\/I> knew that the filly would need to learn to rate if she was going to get more ground.\u00a0Three weeks later Dreamy Cat<\/B> was entered in the Lean Machine-G3<\/I>.\u00a0The filly beautifully 3 lengths back before making a winning move in the 6.5F stakes.\u00a0Elzid<\/I> gave the filly 7 weeks to rest and train before running in the 7F Getaway-G1<\/I>.\u00a0This time the filly sat even further back (7 lengths) before running at the leaders.\u00a0She closed swiftly, but came up short, finishing 3rd<\/SUP>, beaten 1 \u00bd lengths.\u00a0Following the theory, if it\u2019s not broke, don\u2019t fix it, Elzid<\/I> entered the filly into the World Cup Juvenile Filly Sprint-G1<\/I> off of 3 weeks rest.\u00a0Unfortunately, Dreamy Cat<\/B> struggled to find favorable footing on in the Minnesota dirt; jockey V Drosos<\/I> smartly reserved the filly for another day.\u00a0Five weeks later, that day came in the Breeder\u2019s Bowl Juvenile Filly-G1<\/I>.\u00a0After her poor World Cup run, the crowd had lost a little love, sending her off as a 15\/1 longshot.\u00a0That didn\u2019t bother the filly.\u00a0She sat coolly 7 lengths off the pace in 13th<\/SUP>, bidding her time.\u00a0As they neared the final turn, Dreamy Cat<\/B> made a run at the leader.\u00a0The winner was too good that day, however, and Dreamy Cat<\/B> was good for 2nd<\/SUP>, 1 \u00be lengths beaten.\u00a0Her final 2yo start came in the Movieland Futurity-G1<\/I>.\u00a0The filly was fresh and rank.\u00a0She battled her jockey throughout.\u00a0When it was time to run there wasn\u2019t much left.\u00a0Dreamy Cat<\/B> finished 3rd<\/SUP>, beaten by 6 long lengths.<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The filly will be making her 3yo debut on Saturday.\u00a0I suspect she\u2019ll be a bit fresh off a 3-month layoff.\u00a0She\u2019ll need this race plus 1 or 2 more before we see her best as a sophomore.<\/P> PORN STARR (Bay 3yoF by Empire Maker, out of Mr. Prospector x Nijinsky II): Rank: 12, G1 Winner<\/I><\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Porn Starr<\/B> was hot from the get-go.\u00a0The tall filly rated nicely in her 2yo debut over 5.5F on the main track, finishing 2nd<\/SUP>, beaten by 1 \u00bd lengths.\u00a0Her next start came in a 6F MSW.\u00a0This time Porn Starr<\/B> played hard to get, leading the field of 13 others gate to wire in taunting fashion.\u00a0Trainer Korn<\/I> knew he had something good and entered the Empire Maker<\/I> filly in an overnight stakes 5 weeks later.\u00a0The filly was even money at post-time.\u00a0When the gates opened she leisurely broke in 2nd<\/SUP>, relaxing behind the leader before making her winning bid.\u00a0The Hoserhead Juvenile Fillies-G1<\/I> was next on the list.\u00a0Porn Starr<\/B> rated well, but wasn\u2019t quick enough on that day in July.\u00a0She finished 3rd<\/SUP>, beaten 1 \u00be lengths.\u00a0After another quick trip to the winner\u2019s enclosure in an overnight stakes, Korn<\/I> sent his filly to the starter in the Margarine Stakes-G2<\/I>; it was her first time around 2-turns.\u00a0The race was a disaster for Korn<\/I> and company; Porn Starr<\/B> struggled throughout.\u00a0Back in the shedrow, Korn<\/I> had the vet check the filly over after feeling warmness in her right fetlock.\u00a0The vet diagnosed her with a minor sprain and suggested a little time off.\u00a0Korn<\/I> did just that.\u00a0Porn Starr<\/B> returned to the track two months later, winning another overnight stakes as the even money favorite.\u00a0Five weeks later Porn Starr<\/B> started in the 6F Thxmsslew Handicap-G1<\/I>.\u00a0Porn Starr<\/B> rated beautifully in route to becoming a G1 winner.<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As a 3yo, Porn Starr<\/B> is winless in 2 starts.\u00a0She finished 2nd<\/SUP> in an 8F overnight stakes against colts where she was being taught to come from far back, proving that she was more than just a one-trick pony.\u00a0Last time out was in the 8.5F Vermont Is 4 Lovers-G1<\/I>.\u00a0The filly laid off the pace 6 lengths back.\u00a0She was persistent in her drive to the wire, but not good enough that day, finishing 3rd<\/SUP>, beaten 3 \u00bd lengths with a career best 100sp.\u00a0Rumor has is that she may have the Bluegrass Derby<\/I> on her agenda.<\/P> IT\u2019S RATHER CLOUDY(eng) (Bay 3yoF by Pivotal, out of Storm Cat x Seattle Slew): Rank: 18, G2 Winner<\/I><\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0It\u2019s Rather Cloudy<\/B> is by a hot-upcoming sire, Pivotal<\/I>.\u00a0She was nothing less than perfect as a juvenile, winning her maiden debut at even money.\u00a0The race took place around 6.5F on the main track.\u00a0It\u2019s Rather Cloudy<\/B> made it look like a cake-walk, winning by 3 lengths.\u00a0Seven weeks later, trainer Borrow<\/I> placed her in her proper conditions, a restricted allowance around 7.5F.\u00a0The filly was again even-money by race time.\u00a0She made a game of the event, taunting the field with a 4 \u00be length victory.\u00a0Borrow<\/I> was excited at this point, but kept a level head and placed It\u2019s Rather Cloudy<\/B> in an overnight stakes, going 8F for the first time.\u00a0The filly was the 3\/1 favorite.\u00a0She was shuffled back in the early going, but she remained calm and collected, listening to her jockey\u2019s knowing hands.\u00a0On cue, the filly began picking off fillies in front of her.\u00a0At the top of the stretch she was 6th<\/SUP>, 5 \u00bd lengths behind the leader, but was in full flight.\u00a0Momentum propelled the filly down the lane, past the leader, to win by 2.\u00a0It was time to make an appearance in graded company.\u00a0Borrow<\/I> picked out the 8.5F Boca Stakes-G2<\/I> 6 weeks down the road.\u00a0The filly had trained brillantly up to the race.\u00a0Once again, It\u2019s Rather Cloudy<\/B> left that starting gate as the 3\/1 favorite.\u00a0She replicated her previous race, except in exaggerated fashion:\u00a0she sat further back, she began picking off tiring fillies, she was further back at the top of the stretch, and she won by more daylight while posting a higher speed figure.\u00a0She was a perfect 4 for 4 at 2. <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Her connections had high hopes for her sophomore season.\u00a0Unfortunately, even the best fall down, and It\u2019s Rather Cloudy<\/B> had her relapse last time out in her 3yo debut.\u00a0The race was the 8.5F Sunny Florida-G1<\/I>.\u00a0Justify<\/B> and Rattyburg<\/B> ran 2nd<\/SUP> and 3rd<\/SUP> in the race while It\u2019s Rather Cloudy<\/B> struggled home 10th<\/SUP>.\u00a0It\u2019s Rather Cloudy<\/B> has a chance to redeem herself this Saturday.<\/P> JUSTIFY (Chestnut 3yoF by Distorted Humor, out of Vicious Circle<\/U>, Wild Again x El Gran Senor): Rank: 19, Stakes Winner, Graded Placed<\/I><\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Justify<\/B> is a very talented sprinting filly, but she has been a bit questionable around 2-turns.\u00a0The first of the two Distorted Humor fillies entered in Saturday\u2019s race made her 2yo debut in a restricted allowance race.\u00a0The filly broke on top and didn\u2019t look back, pulling away with each stride to win the 5.5F event by an easy 1 \u00be lengths.\u00a0Trainer Zwango1<\/I> entered Justify<\/B> in an overnight stakes around the same distance next.\u00a0Justify<\/B> broke fast, but not fastest.\u00a0The filly had to work every step of the way, finishing 2nd<\/SUP>, beaten \u00be of a length.\u00a0The race told a lot about the filly, she had heart and courage.\u00a0Her next two starts came in more overnight stakes, going 6F and 7.5F \u2013 she won both, wiring the fields and winning comfortably.\u00a0Seven-weeks later, Zwango1<\/I> placed Justify<\/B> in the 8.5F Margarine Stakes-G2<\/I>.\u00a0It would be her first attempt around 2-turns.\u00a0The filly hooked up with Nehi Orange<\/B> right out of the gate.\u00a0The two of them matched strides for the first 7 panels of the race.\u00a0As the field turned for home, Zwango1<\/I> could see his filly was beginning to get leg-weary.\u00a0Ten Year Storm<\/B> picked up the pieces to scoop up the win.\u00a0Justify<\/B> held on for 4th<\/SUP>, beaten by 5 lengths.\u00a0The Breeder\u2019s Bowl<\/I> was a no-go.\u00a0Instead, the filly was nominated to the DelPenn Breeder\u2019s Cup Juvenile Fillies<\/I>.\u00a0Justify<\/B> prevailed throughout, winning by nearly 4 and proving she could handle 8.5F.\u00a0Zwango1<\/I> gave Justify<\/B> 2 months off.\u00a0In late December she was nominated to another restricted DelPenn race.\u00a0This time the race was over a shorter 8F.\u00a0The filly raced similarly, but wasn\u2019t good enough off an 8-week layoff, only managing 4th<\/SUP>.\u00a0Zwango1<\/I> knew what he was doing, though.\u00a0It was the new year that he was preparing the filly for.<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Justify<\/B> made her sophomore appearance in the warming climate of Florida.\u00a0Her chosen race was the 8.5F Sunny Florida-G1<\/I>.\u00a0The field had a lack of early speed, leaving the lead to Justify<\/B>.\u00a0The filly had her way, but as they turned for home she couldn\u2019t hold off Lovestruck<\/B>.\u00a0Justify<\/B> finished 2nd<\/SUP> with a 97sp.\u00a0It\u2019s been 5 weeks.\u00a0If the filly can withstand Nehi Orange<\/B>, then she will be tuff. <\/P> BELLISSIMA G<\/B> (Bay 3yoF by Dixie Union, out of Cantpassthiscat<\/U>, Storm Cat x Buckpasser): Rank: 21, Stakes Winner, Graded Placed<\/I><\/B><\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Bellissima G<\/B> began her career on the turf, but that was a bit short-lived.\u00a0In her second career she was placed on the dirt, and she won immediately.\u00a0The next three starts all came in restricted allowance races; Bellissima G<\/B> showed versatility in her ability to race on or off the lead.\u00a0She won 2 of the 3 races.\u00a0Trainer Buxpasser<\/I> was happy with what he was seeing and jumped straight into graded company with his filly.\u00a0Her 6th<\/SUP> start came in the 7F Getaway Stakes-G1<\/I>.\u00a0Bellissima G<\/B> rated well, but didn\u2019t have enough to wear down the leader, finishing 4th<\/SUP> (Dreamy Cat<\/B>, 2nd<\/SUP>).\u00a0Next up was an attempt at routes.\u00a0Buxpasser<\/I> brought the filly back down to the allowance level.\u00a0The filly sat back in 3rd<\/SUP> before making a winning move to take the race by nearly 3 lengths as the even-money favorite.\u00a0Bellissima G\u2019s<\/B> final 2yo start came in the 8.5F Golden Red Stakes-G2<\/I>.\u00a0She broke alertly and sat 3 back in 2nd<\/SUP>.\u00a0As they turned for home Bellissima G<\/B> was on the move, taking the lead as they entered the stretch.\u00a0Right behind her was Azza Muss<\/B>.\u00a0The fillies hooked up, but Azza Muss<\/B> was too much.\u00a0Bellissima G<\/B> placed 2nd<\/SUP>.<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0After 6 weeks rest, Bellissima G<\/B> debuted as a fresher filly.\u00a0Buxpasser<\/I> placed her in an 8F overnight stakes.\u00a0The filly rated in 2nd<\/SUP>, 4 lengths back.\u00a0Turning for home she kicked into a whole new gear, soaring past the leader for the win.\u00a0She posted a 103 speed figure, a career best.\u00a0Last time out was another quick victory in another 8F overnight stakes.\u00a0In this one, however, the filly dictated the lead and coasted home with ears pricked.\u00a0She comes into Saturday\u2019s race off 4 weeks rest and could easily pick up the pieces if Justify<\/B> and Nehi<\/B> Orange<\/B>, among others, battle early on.\u00a0She\u2019s my pick to win.<\/P> RATTYBURG<\/B> (Chestnut 3yoF by Johannesburg, out of Wild Again x Saint Ballado): Rank: 35, Stakes Winner, Graded Placed<\/I><\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rattyburg<\/B> debuted as a 2yo in Minnesota going a short 4.5F on the dirt.\u00a0The filly trailed early on, made a move, but ran out of ground, finishing 2nd<\/SUP>.\u00a0Her next race was similar, but over 7F.\u00a0With a little time off, the third time was the charm as trainer Darnath3<\/I> entered Rattyburg<\/B> in her first turf start.\u00a0The chestnut filly relished the green stuff, winning the 6.5F by 1 \u00bd lengths.\u00a0A brief 4 weeks later, Darnath3<\/I> gave the filly her first taste of routes in Eastern Kentucky going 8F.\u00a0Rattyburg<\/B> ran sluggishly throughout and could only manage 4th<\/SUP>.\u00a0Darnath3<\/I> wasn\u2019t discouraged.\u00a0Another 4 weeks went.\u00a0Rattyburg<\/B> had been training well at Eastern Kentucky so she was entered in another restricted allowance, again over 8F.\u00a0This time she ran more alertly, staying within 2 lengths of the frontrunner before taking the race by 2 \u00bc lengths.\u00a0The filly\u2019s first stakes race had been circled on the calendar.\u00a0Darnath3<\/I> shipped his filly to New York where she won another restricted allowance by daylight.\u00a0Next was the 8.5F Minnesota Miss Juvenile<\/I> stakes.\u00a0Rattyburg<\/B> rated 5 lengths back in 8th<\/SUP>, bidding her time.\u00a0As the field of 19 approached the final turn she had picked off horses and was sitting pretty in 2nd<\/SUP>, just 3 lengths back.\u00a0A few urges from her jockey was all she needed as she changed leads and took over the lead.\u00a0The filly won her 3rd<\/SUP> straight race finishing out her 2yo season strong.<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Darnath3<\/I> appeared to riding on cloud 9 with his filly\u2019s success.\u00a0Overeager, the trainer entered the filly in his first graded race just 3 weeks later.\u00a0Rattyburg<\/B> went to the starter as the 3rd<\/SUP> choice in the 8.5F Santa Jezebel-G3<\/I>; the favorite was Black Flag Flying<\/B>.\u00a0Rattyburg<\/B> didn\u2019t relax, struggling throughout the race and finishing a dull 6th<\/SUP>.\u00a0Two weeks later she was entered in the 8.5F Sunny Florida-G1<\/I>.\u00a0The filly fell back in 11th<\/SUP> early on, racing further back than she had in any other race.\u00a0In the stretch run she managed to pass tiring horses to gain 3rd<\/SUP>, but was beaten 5 \u00bc lengths.\u00a0It\u2019s now been 5 weeks and I\u2019m sure the filly will appreciate the longer break.\u00a0I suspect that she will perform much better this time around.<\/P> TRAIL AND TREASURE (Chestnut 3yoF by Mineshaft, out of Indy Connection<\/U>, Forty Niner x Storm Cat): Rank: 42, G2 Winner<\/I><\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Trail And Treasure<\/B> won her 2yo debut like a pro.\u00a0She started next in a restricted allowance race, but after dueling on the lead, she didn\u2019t have much left in the tank to hold off challengers, finishing 3rd<\/SUP>.\u00a0Her next two starts came in overnight stakes.\u00a0Trail And Treasure<\/B> won both in wire-to-wire fashion.\u00a0Trainer Oaklawn88<\/I> knew she was ready for her graded debut.\u00a0The lanky chestnut was shipped out to California for the 6.5F Dazzling Daisies-G2<\/I>.\u00a0Trail And Treasure<\/B> was just that, dazzling in her wire-to-wire performance upping her record to 4 wins in 5 starts.\u00a0Unfortunately, that would be her last trip to the winner\u2019s circle.\u00a0Her next 4 starts came in various graded races and overnight stakes all ranging from 6.5F to 8F.\u00a0The filly struggled to find the lead in each one and looked to be discouraged, throwing in the towel.\u00a0The best she could manage was a 3rd<\/SUP> and three 4th<\/SUP>\u2019s.\u00a0Oaklawan88<\/I> gave the filly another shot at 8F in her final 2yo start: the Reflection Futurity-G3<\/I>.\u00a0Trail And Treasure<\/B> battled for the lead, gaining it.\u00a0She attempted to pull off, but wasn\u2019t quite good enough to hold off a late challenger, finishing 2nd<\/SUP> beaten by 2 lengths with a career-best 90 speed figure.<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Trail And Treasure<\/B> is a consistent filly, but it\u2019s been 7 months since she has visited the winner\u2019s enclosure.\u00a0Another negative is her past speed figures are low in comparison to many of the other fillies in this field.\u00a0She will be making her 3yo debut on Saturday after a 9-week layoff, so I don\u2019t expect to see her best race, but she will be fresh.\u00a0She will have two classy speed fillies to battle with on the lead.\u00a0Hopefully she can be rated.<\/P> BATTLE MUSIC (Dark Grey 3yoF by Unbridled\u2019s Song, out of Battle Song<\/U>, War Chant x Seattle Slew): Rank: 48, Allowance Winner, Graded Placed<\/I><\/B> <\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Battle Music<\/B> began her career on the turf.\u00a0The near-black filly ran well to finish 3rd<\/SUP>, but not well enough.\u00a0Her trainer 2ofus<\/I> switched her over to the main track in her next start.\u00a0Battle Music<\/B> closed to finish 4th<\/SUP>.\u00a0It appeared that 6F was not enough ground.\u00a0In her third start, Battle Music<\/B> was entered in an 8F maiden race.\u00a0The filly relished the extra 2 furlongs, making up ground to win the race by daylight.\u00a0Six weeks later the filly replicated her performance in an 8F open-allowance.\u00a0Next up, 2ofus<\/I> placed her in the 8.5F Frickazee Stakes-G1<\/I>.\u00a0A win would place her in the Breeder\u2019s Bowl<\/I>.\u00a0Battle Music<\/B> wasn\u2019t gaining much love at the windows, entering the starting gate at 17\/1.\u00a0When the gates opened, Battle Music<\/B> found herself behind a wall of 11 horses, the furthest back she had ever been.\u00a0Traffic was thick and as the field of 14 fillies rounded the corner for home, Battle Music<\/B> was still in 9th<\/SUP> 6 \u00bc lengths back.\u00a0Her jockey swung her out to the middle of the track and the filly lengthened out, passing horses like they were standing still.\u00a0She drove home 3