Ashland Favorite Balance On Top in Oaks Future Pool

Amerman Racing's Balance, a two-time grade I stakes winner who looms as a strong favorite in Saturday's Ashland Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland, emerged as a strong 2-1 favorite on the opening day of betting in Pool 3 of Churchill Downs' 2006 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager.

The daughter of 1995 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Thunder Gulch moved to the top of her class with wins in the Las Virgenes (gr. I) and the Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I) for trainer David Hofmans. But Thursday's betting also saw solid support for Wild Fit, the Patrick Biancone-trained daughter of Wild Wonder who has lost to Balance in both of her 2006 races. Wild Fit was the 7-2 second choice in opening day betting.

The field, which includes all 3-year-old fillies other than the 23 individual betting interests in Pool 3, ended the day at 13-1. A trio of fillies trained by Todd Pletcher – India (12-1), Adieu (15-1) and Wait A While (16-1) – also attracted support in Thursday's betting.

A total of $3,370 was wagered on the opening day of Pool 3. Betting will resume in the pool on Friday at noon (EDT).

The Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) is May 5 at Churchill Downs.

2006 KENTUCKY OAKS FUTURE WAGER POOL 3

# Filly ODDS
1. Adieu 15-1
2. Balance 2-1
3. *Brownie Points (n) 45-1
4. *Bushfire 99-1
5. Celestial Legend 35-1
6. Crystal Current 40-1
7. Diplomat Lady 50-1
8. *Ermine 25-1
9. Ex Caelis 25-1
10. French Park 22-1
11. India 12-1
12. Itty Bitty Pretty 35-1
13. *Miraculous Miss 60-1
14. *Quiet Kim 50-1
15. *Ready to Please 45-1
16. Sweet Belle 99-1
17. *Sweet Fourty 40-1
18. Sweet Sugaree 99-1
19. *Teammate 40-1
20. *Top Notch Lady (n) 35-1
21. Wait A While 16-1
22. Wild Fit 7-2
23. Wonder Lady Anne L 25-1
24. All Other 3YO fillies 13-1

New Wagering Interest in Pool 3
(n) - Not nominated to Kentucky Oaks