Fillies Continue Oaks Preparations

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While the Kentucky Derby attracts most of the attention on the backside of Churchill Downs this week, 3-year-olds fillies continue to work toward the May 2 Kentucky Oaks.

My Boston Gal, who could vie for Oaks favoritism along with Ashland Stakes winner Elloluv and Lady Tak, was on the track Tuesday for what was described as "maintenance work" of five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 under exercise rider Tracey Wilkes. That time ranked 10th among 37 horses at that distance Tuesday.

"She worked good," said Ian Wilkes, assistant to trainer Carl Nafzger. "I was just looking for a maintenance work. We just wanted something to just let her stretch her legs and keep her moving forward. She didn't need a lot today and I got exactly what I wanted. She couldn't be any better."

My Boston Gal has won the Golden Rod and Stonerside Beaumont Stakes, both grade II.

Meanwhile, Columbine Stable's Go For Glamour worked a half-mile in :50.60 after the renovation break, with exercise rider Andy Durnin up.

"She worked beautiful," trainer Beau Greely said. "I don't need to do a lot with her. She has just run in the (Santa Anita) Oaks and Fantasy, so she is pretty tight. She carries weight, but she is not a big filly. I am just really getting maintenance works in her right now. I got her in 50 flat. I told Andy to go anywhere from 49 to 51 (seconds), to just really stretch her legs. That's all she needs. She did it well and Andy said he had her in hand. If he had let her go, she would have gotten away from him. I will probably go an easy eighths or a half next week."

Alex Solis has the call in the Oaks.

With owners Jeff and Sue Nielsen of Everest Stables looking on, Island Fashion worked six furlongs in 1:12.40 in company under jockey Sal Gonzalez after the renovation break.

"She breezed very, very well," trainer Nick Canani said. "She broke about three or four lengths behind a horse of Elliott Walden, who gave me a hand. She worked really well. It was a very nice work. She will come back in six days and work a half."

Pat Valenzuela will ride in the Oaks.

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