Indian Blessing, Proud Spell in virtual match race

INDIAN BLESSING (Indian Charlie) and PROUD SPELL (Proud Citizen) will square off in a virtual match race in Saturday's $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2). Only two other sophomore fillies are entered in the 1 1/16-mile event, and both of them appear to be overmatched.

For Proud Spell, it will mark the third straight time that she will race against Indian Blessing, who defeated her in both the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) and the Silverbulletday S. (G3). The Larry Jones trainee has the home-track advantage and will seek to turn the tables on her rival. Last year, the bay filly won her first three starts, including the Matron S. (G2). As usual, Gabriel Saez will ride.

Indian Blessing broke her maiden at Saratoga, then recorded impressive victories in the Frizette S. (G1) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies prior to being named champion two-year-old filly. The unbeaten Bob Baffert trainee began her three-year-old campaign with a narrow victory in the Santa Ynez S. (G2), then scored a near front-running victory in the Silverbulletday, which was decided at this track and trip four weeks ago. Garrett Gomez will return in the saddle.

ACACIA (Cherokee Run) was a good-looking maiden winner going two turns for trainer Steve Asmussen in her last start, while WISCONSIN LADY (Stephen Got Even) most recently finished a decent second in a two-turn, first-level allowance race for conditioner Neil Howard. Both will be making their stakes debuts in the Fair Grounds Oaks, and one will earn a Grade 2 placing.

The field, from the inside out, with riders, is Indian Blessing; Proud Spell; Acacia, Shaun Bridgmohan; and Wisconsin Lady, Robby Albarado.

All starters will carry 121 pounds.