Pedigree

Indian Blessing ran away from her competition at two, winning all three starts by daylight, but there are concerns about her ability to handle the 1 1/8-mile distance of the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Sire Indian Charlie, who won the 1998 Santa Anita Derby (G1) and finished third in the Kentucky Derby (G1), could handle a route of ground, but he's also been a good source of speed at stud with an Average Winning Distance of 6.6 furlongs for his offspring. Indian Charlie will throw two-turn horses when combined with the right mares, with champion Fleet Indian and 2005 Spinster (G1) winner Pampered Princess serving as prime examples, but Indian Blessing's dam, Shameful, was a confirmed sprinter.

Winner of the six-furlong Pine Tree Lane S., Shameful also placed in the La Troienne S. (G3), Miss Preakness S. (G3) and Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint, and she never raced farther than seven furlongs during her 12-race career. She's by Grade 1-winning miler Flying Chevron, whose best son is the Grade 1-winning sprinter Captain Squire, but Shameful's half-brother, Little Matth Man, managed to win the 1 1/16-mile Whirlaway S. in 2004 and also placed in the Lane's End S. (G2). The female family is highlighted by Roamin Rachel, winner of the Ballerina H. (G1) and Princess Rooney H., both at seven furlongs. A daughter of Mining, Roamin Rachel is also the dam of Japanese Horse of the Year Zenno Rob Roy.

Indian Blessing, like her counterpart War Pass, was able to dominate the two-year-old competition with her speed. However, her distance capacity will be tested over the course of her Oaks campaign.