Oaks Contenders  //

Oaks Top 10

John Asher's Picks

Last updated May 2, 2008
RankHorseTrainerComments
1Eight BellesLarry JonesThe one to beat -- if she doesn't run against colts in Derby
2Pure ClanBob HolthusHad no chance in first two starts of year, loves Churchill Downs
3BsharpsonataTim SalzmanVersatile filly is a threat on any surface, wet or dry
4Proud SpellLarry JonesNever runs a bad one, under consideration for the Derby also
5Country StarBobby FrankelShe has some work to do after Ashland, but will benefit from race
6Absolutely CindyKeith KinmonCould run big here after poor Ashland effort
7Little BelleKiaran McLaughlinBred to be a good one, stepped forward on Polytrack in Ashland
8Awesome ChicRafael RamosBred to run all day, very impressive in Florida Oaks
9Golden Doc ABarry AbramsSolid second in Beaumont, should like two turns better
10Elusive LadyJohn KimmelOutside chance

Jill Byrne's Picks

Last updated May 2, 2008
RankHorseTrainerComments
1Eight BellesLarry JonesAs close to a lock as they come for the Oaks but looks headed to Derby.
2Pure ClanBob HolthusCould not catch "Belles" at Oaklawn. Undefeated at Churchill.
3Little BelleKiaran McLaughlinDetermined Ashland win over top field shows she belongs in the Oaks.
4Proud SpellLarry JonesWas wide at Keeneland in the Ashland . Like her better on dirt.
5BsharpsonataTim SalzmanVersatile filly ran another big effort in the Ashland.
6Awesome ChicRafael RamosThis small but powerful and well bred filly is the upset special.
7Golden Doc ABarry AbramsShe is consistent and has a perfect running style for this.
8Country StarBobby FrankelBanged her head in the gate prior to the Ashland which may have cost her.
9A to the CroftKenny McPeekWorking well at the Downs but must take a giant leap forward to contend.
10Elusive LadyJohn KimmelLooks overmatched in here.

Ashley Walker's Picks

Last updated April 29, 2008
RankHorseTrainerComments
1Country StarBobby FrankelI think she'll surprise on Friday, Frankel isn't one to mess around.
2BsharpsonataTim SalzmanGame as they come, and seems to be settled in nicely.
3Pure ClanBob HolthusShe'll close well and likes the track.
4Proud SpellLarry JonesDidn't love her last work, but she's talented.
5Golden Doc ABarry AbramsAlways comes running at the end.
6Little BelleKiaran McLaughlinComing into her own at the right time.
7A to the CroftKenny McPeekHas the opportunity to rebound for Kenny McPeek. Not likely to place.
8Awesome ChicRafael RamosCan't really fault this one, but there seems to be tougher in here.
9Elusive LadyJohn KimmelNot inspired by her last few efforts.
10Absolutely CindyKeith KinmonAlways can run a big one, but seems overmatched here.

Dan Shapiro's Picks

Last updated May 2, 2008
RankHorseTrainerComments
1Eight BellesLarry JonesTough Oaks post draw could send her to Derby, still she wins this if she runs
2Little BelleKiaran McLaughlinG1 Ashland winner has spectacular pedigree and comes from top barn
3BsharpsonataTim SalzmanNever runs a bad one and doesn't get the respect she deserves
4Proud SpellLarry JonesPolytrack not her thing, more than capable of winning if her stablemate scratches
5Golden Doc ABarry AbramsCalifornian has a big upset shot
6Pure ClanBob HolthusSet for a big effort in her third start carefully planned 3yo campaign
7Country StarBobby FrankelNeeded to see more in her 3yo debut; playing against her
8Awesome ChicRafael RamosTough in Florida, but needs to improve
9Elusive LadyJohn KimmelRespect barn, but she's probably a cut below
10A to the CroftKenny McPeekBetter than recent showings on synthetic surfaces; 2yo form was strong

James Scully's Picks

Last updated May 1, 2008
RankHorseTrainerComments
1BsharpsonataTim SalzmanUltra-consistent and has trained well at Churchill for Salzman; top pick
2Proud SpellLarry JonesThrow out Polytrack effort; expecting her to run well for Cowboy Jones
3Pure ClanBob HolthusLoves Churchill and appears set for a prime effort in her 3rd off the layoff
4Little BelleKiaran McLaughlinEnters on the upswing for McLaughlin and figures to sit a perfect trip with her tactical speed
5Country StarBobby FrankelFrankel filly hit her head in gate last time; big threat in dirt debut
6Awesome ChicRafael RamosFormer Suffolk maiden winner could be ready for the big time
7Golden Doc ABarry AbramsQuestion whether she's a dirt horse, but she did work fast at Churchill
8A to the CroftKenny McPeekMay not be sharp enough to win, but she gets part often
9RasierraCody AutreyConnections supplemented her to Oaks for $25 k
10Absolutely CindyKeith KinmonShe'll be running late but may not be good enough