Oaks Update: Flute In, Others Work

While it appeared earlier this week that Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I) runner-up Flute might be excluded from the crowded field in the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), the situation changed Saturday and the filly is apparently in after the defection of Serena's Tune.

Trainer Bobby Frankel said he had been told that Serena's Tune would not run, opening up the spot for Flute.

Meanwhile, on a sunny morning Saturday, opening day of Churchill Downs' spring meet, Oaks workouts were turned in by:

--Platinum Tiara, who went 5 furlongs in :58 2/5.
--Dancethruthedawn, 4 furlongs in :48.
--Mystic Lady, 5 furlongs, 1:04 3/5

The field for the Oaks is limited to 14, and preference is given to fillies that have accumulated the highest career earnings. On Churchill's list of possible starters for the race as of Friday (April 27), Flute ranks 15th with earnings of $96,200.

The Churchill Oaks earnings list is as follows:
Filly Total Earnings
Fleet Renee, $450,125;
Platinum Tiara, $385,380
Mystic Lady, $385,090
Dancethruthedawn, $243,691
Real Cozzy (supplemented entry), $243,000
Nasty Storm, $238,487
Tap Dance, $199,860
Latour, $178,425
Collect Call, $175,815
Quick Tip, $154,948
Scoop, $152,400
Mysia Jo, $144,326
Serena's Tune, $129,750
Morning Sun, $127,821
Flute, $ 96,200
Steiners Baby Girl, $ 18,100