Oaks News

In what may prove to be the weekend's most influential race in the Kentucky Oaks picture, Brownie Points used a devastating closing kick to overhaul pacesetter Sweet Sugaree in deep stretch and capture the $50,000 Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park in impressive fashion, going away by 2 3/4-lengths on the wire.

Ridden by Luis Quinonez, Brownie Points settled towards the back of the pack in the early going, as pacesetter Sweet Sugaree set a pressured tempo down the backstretch through a half-mile in 47.46. At the top of the stretch, Sweet Sugaree shook off challenges from the stalkers, which included 8-5 favorite Baghdaria, to open up a clear advantage straightening for home.

Brownie Points commenced a rally on the inside and moved into striking range, splitting fillies and picking up steam at the eighth pole. Her momentum drove her past a game but tiring Sweet Sugaree in deep stretch, and Brownie Points finished up strongly to win going away, stopping the clock at 1:39.69 for the mile on a fast Oaklawn main track.

"She was very comfortable," said Quinonez. "At the top of the lane, I saw those horses in front of us and she split them and just exploded with a powerful move."

Trained by Donnie K. Von Hemel and carrying the familiar colors of owner Pin Oak Stable, Brownie Points ($28.80) scored her second career stakes win in the Martha Washington, a race that was originally scheduled for last Sunday but was moved back five days due to ruthless winter conditions that caused Oaklawn Park to cancel racing last weekend.

A homebred daughter of Forest Wildcat, Brownie Points moved her career earnings to $75,350, and more importantly, she firmly put herself on the Kentucky Oaks trail.

"She was very professional today, coming through the hole and dirt," said Von Hemel in the Oaklawn winner's circle. "I was surprised that she drew off the way she did."

The Martha Washington is a prep race for the Honeybee Stakes on Mar. 25th and the Gr. II Fantasy Stakes, the feature 3-year-old filly event on Apr. 14th at Oaklawn Park.

Favorite Baghdaria, winner of the Gr. III Silverbulletday at Fair Grounds, appeared to have a nice stalking trip on the rail but came up empty when the real running began and had to settle for sixth.

"She had a good trip and no excuses," said trainer Bret Calhoun, who conditions Baghdaria.

Kat Nan Do, the 5-1 second choice in the wagering, picked up the pieces late for third, 1 3/4-lengths behind runner up Sweet Sugaree.

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