Washington BC Oaks Upset Smooth as Silk

Jockey Ricky Frazier guided She's All Silk to an upset victory in the $97,500 Washington Breeders' Cup Oaks to highlight his four-win day at Emerald Downs Saturday.

The 3-year-old filly, owned by Ed Zenker and trained by Pat Mullens, took the early lead in the 1 1/8-mile event and never relinquished it despite a fierce challenge down the lane from Chestnut Lady, the 4-5 favorite with Kevin Radke in the saddle. She's All Silk was all out to win by a head in a time of 1:50 2/5.

"I wasn't about to look back because I knew they were coming," Frazier said. "My plan was to slow it down as much as I could and, at the quarter pole, I asked her to run."

She's All Silk set solid fractions of :23 in the quarter mile, :46 2/5 at the half-mile mark, and 1:10 2/5 for six furlongs. Coming out of the turn, the dark bay filly led by nearly three lengths when Chestnut Lady, who was stalking in second most of the way, made her charge.

Chestnut Lady narrowed the margin in the final furlong and was gaining quickly, at the end.

"She (She's All Silk) kept going," Radke said. "She ran the race of her life. My horse ran well, too. You can't take anything away from either one."

"She started to look around a little," Frazier said, "but she saw (Chestnut Lady) coming, and she gave me everything she had. She didn't have much, but she hung on."

She's All Silk paid $15.60, $5 and $2.40. Chestnut Lady ran second, returning $2.60 and $2.10 while Sophie's Trophy came in third, paying $2.20.

Completing the order of finish was White Center Belle, Soft Lite, and Too Cute to Boot.

She's All Silk earned her first stakes victory while ending a four-race losing skid. She ran second to Chestnut Lady in their most recent start, the 1 1/16-mile Kent Handicap July 23 at Emerald, but was beaten by seven lengths. The victory was the third in 11 tries for the Washington-bred daughter of Delineator and ran her earnings to $117,265.

Mr. & Mrs. Frederick L. Pabst bred the winner, who was purchased for $7,500 in December 2004.

(Chart, Equibase)