Secret Status Tops Delaware Handicap Nominees

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Secret Status, winner of the 2000 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), heads a long list of nominees to the July 22 $600,000 Delaware Handicap (gr. III) for fillies and mares. The Del 'Cap will be run across 10 furlongs and headlines the Del 'Cap Festival that includes the grade III Kent Breeders' Cup and the grade III Delaware Oaks.

Secret Status captured her initial race in 2001 at Keeneland, and was most recently second to Saudi Poetry in the Fleur de Lis at Churchill Downs behind Saudi Poetry, who is also nominated to the Delaware Handicap. Trainer John Ward has nominated Champion Beautiful Pleasure to the race along with Darling My Darling. The former is owned by John Oxley, owner of Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, and the latter by his wife, Debbie. Other big names nominated include Jostle, On A Soapbox, Humble Clerk, and Pompeii.

The Kent Breeders' Cup for 3-year-olds, which will go for a guaranteed $250,000 over a grassy nine furlongs, has received nominations for Burning Roma, Marciano, Voodoo Dancer, and Strategic Partner, among many others.

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