Team Valor International’s Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) contender Summer Soiree worked a quick six furlongs in 1:10.80 on her own under jockey Gabriel Saez April 23 at Keeneland.
A winner of her past two starts by a combined 20 1/2 lengths including the Bourbonette Oaks (gr. III) last month, Summer Soiree is scheduled to ship to Churchill Downs next week.
“The filly worked very quickly,” trainer Graham Motion said. “Gabe won’t work her next week, but he will ride her in the Oaks.”
Also working on Saturday morning was Central Bank Ashland (gr. I) winner Lilacs and Lace, as she breezed five furlongs in company with stablemate Tag V Eye in :59 in her second-to-last move before the Kentucky Oaks.
“She looked awesome, fantastic,” trainer John Terranova said. “She’s in great shape, and I think she’s continuing to move forward since the Ashland, so perfect timing going into the Oaks. Hopefully she just stays good the next couple weeks and we’ll go over there in good shape.”
James Covello, Judy Hicks, and Kathryn Nikkel’s Lilacs and Lace has been under the care of Terranova for her last two starts after shipping East from her initial California base. In addition to her Ashland victory, she had a fourth-place finish Summer Soiree in the Bourbonette Oaks in her first start for Terranova.
“She was just cruising out there,” Terranova said. “I got her home pretty quick. She was the last quarter in under :23, just cruising.”
Lilacs and Lace will ship to Churchill Downs next week and have her final breeze for the Oaks next Saturday, six days before the race.
