Don't Overlook The East Coast Gals

Hi and welcome back to the East Coast Kentucky Oaks blog. I'm Dan
Shapiro and I'll be posting here right through the 134th Kentucky Oaks
on Friday, May 2. This will be my second year giving my insights on
all the action for the 3-year-old fillies in New York and the
Mid-Atlantic region.

Last year's impressive Kentucky Oaks winner, Rags to Riches, prepped
for the race in California, but spent the rest of the season in New
York with Todd Pletcher. Of course, she went on to defeat Curlin and
the boys in a dramatic Belmont Stakes before injury derailed her
season. Hopefully, we'll see her back at her best in 2008 during a
4-year-old campaign.

This year, it looks like we have a nice crop of talented fillies to
follow on the national scene, led by Breeders' Cup winner Indian
Blessing and fine pair of Empire Maker daughters in Hollywood Starlet
winner Country Star and Demoiselle winner Mushka.

Although most of the top fillies will be wintering in warmer climates
in South Florida, Louisiana and California at this time of year, the
East Coast usually produces a few Oaks hopefuls from Aqueduct's
quartet of stakes for 3-year-old fillies: the Busanda (1/13), the
Dearly Precious (2/17), the Busher (2/24) and the Grade 3 Comely
(4/12).

One thing you should know is that I'm a racing fan first and foremost,
but I also consider myself a pretty astute horseplayer. Many of my
insights come from the point-of-view of a bettor and I'll be sure to
provide picks and betting analysis for the major Oaks preps throughout
the season.

Welcome aboard and I look forward to reading your comments and
answering your questions as we begin another road to the Kentucky
Oaks.