Justin Dew's blog

It's doubtful anyone could have beaten Rags To Riches on this day, but Edgar Prado sure had a heck of an excuse aboard Cotton Blossom.

Let's pretend for a minute that Todd Pletcher will be kept out of the winners circle in the Oaks. Then let's say Dreaming Of Anna'a best days are behind her. Finally, lets dismiss High Heels and Tough Tiz's Sis based on class, or whatever else makes you feel comfortable.

Am I concerned that John Velazquez chose Octave over Cotton Blossom? You bet.

I really, really hate using the ALL button when playing a Pick 4. But when just about the entire field has a shot, and when the pool is a guaranteed $500,000, I'm buying the race.

It's Oaks Day.  We have a great card ahead of us with plenty of wagering opportunities.  Don't forget about the $500,000 Guaranteed Pick 4, and check back here later today to see my Pick 4 ticket.

Maybe you have your Oaks and Derby horses already picked.  But before you place that Oaks/Derby Double wager, have you considered the possibility that one jockey could sweep the bet?

It's not that I haven't been paying attention.  It's just that I've been more focused on the fillies from Oaklawn and Fair Grounds than those out west. 

Like most of you, I have yet to decide exactly what I think about the field for the Kentucky Oaks.  But I have a feeling I might end up betting on one filly, while rooting for another.

So, we know Rags To Riches will be favored.  Octave will also get support.  But I think another filly trained by Todd Pletcher has a chance to score at a big price.

Friday's Grade II Fantasy at Oaklawn might tell us a lot more than you might think about the current crop of three-year-old fillies.

I understand that Rags To Riches has already been crowned winner of the Kentucky Oaks (unless of course she runs in the Derby), but there's no reason we can't try to figure out who will complete the exacta on the first Friday in May, is there?

Saturday's Fair Grounds Oaks did quite a bit towards clearing up the Kentucky Oaks picture.

Listen, I have no idea who is going to win the Fair Grounds Oaks on Saturday.  But I can tell you this: Any jockey who lets Appealing Zophie get away with slow fractions again deserves to lose.

Hey, if Appealing Zophie can get away with a :49 opening half mile in the Kentucky Oaks, I guess now we know she can win it.

I apologize for the cheesy title.  But I couldn't resist.  I promise that's the last time I will take the liberty of incorporating the names of horses into my title. 

On to the race.

Heading into the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, Appealing Zophie gave the look of a two-year old filly that was best suited to one turn.