Oaks News

In a pair of Grade Two stakes at Gulfstream Park Saturday, Forever Together and High Again notched solid wins to stamp themselves as Kentucky Oaks contenders.

In the $150,000 Forward Gal Stakes at seven furlongs, Augustin Stable’s Forever Together kept her perfect record intact Saturday at Gulfstream Park, drawing clear in deep stretch to a two-length victory over Elk Silver Knockers.

Winning trainer Jonathon Sheppard, better known for his work with older grass runners, now has a young filly that has yet to lose in three starts.

As far as future plans, Sheppard said, “She ran well to break her maiden at Delaware and she was eligible for the OBS race, which is a restricted race and essentially amount to a ‘non-winners’ of two. That was a step up and today was another big step. So far, so good. I can’t say what might be next, but Mr. Strawbridge is partial to Keeneland.”

You Asked finished third, 3 ¾ lengths behind the runner-up. The big disappointment in the race was Boca Grande, winner of the Grade Two Demoiselle last year. She was making her first start since that race, and was never a factor here, finishing sixth.

In the 1 1/8 miles Bonnie Miss, High Again took command in mid-stretch, edging away for a 1 ½ lengths victory over 4-to-5 favorite Christmas Kid. Fee Fi Fo Fum finished third.

High Again avenged her defeat by Christmas Kid last out in the one-mile Davona Dale Stakes (G2) on Feb. 10, when bested by 4 ½ lengths.

Trained by Bill Mott, High Again won for the third time in seven career starts and was timed in 1:50 4/5 over the fast track, returning $8.60 to win.

Post-race, Mott was looking ahead to the spring in Kentucky, “After today we surely have to be thinking about (a race like the Kentucky Oaks or Ashland Stakes). Way back here in the back of my head I’ve been thinking about, but they have to show you a race like this before you get serious about it. I think she earned her way into that kind of a race now.”

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