Take Charge Lady Turns in Final Oaks Work

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Ashland Stakes (gr. I) winner Take Charge Lady turned in her final workout in preparation for the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) when she worked five-eighths of a mile in :59 3/5 at Churchill Downs on Friday morning.

Trainer Ken McPeek said the move indicated the filly is ready for the May 3 Oaks and will not need any additional work.

"That was right in the middle of what I wanted," McPeek said of the workout, in which jockey Tony D'Amico was aboard. "I wanted a real stiff breeze out of her. I asked him to set her down and he did. She seems to respond well to having her final work about a week before the race and she will go into the race fresh."

Asked whether he was more confident about his chances in the Oaks with Take Charge Lady or the Kentucky Derby with probable favorite Harlan's Holiday, McPeek said he believed the filly is in a better position to get a victory.

"There are some nice fillies in there, but she has been running some of the best numbers of any of them," McPeek said.

Take Charge Lady's workout was the only one Friday among all the contenders for the Derby and Oaks who are on the grounds at Churchill Downs.

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