KY OAKS -- A First look

With the post positions out for the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, it's time to take a first look at the field and the contenders. I've reviewed the sheets and have a list of five horses to watch.

Be sure to come back Friday for the finalized list of who we're looking at here and the other stakes races on Friday!

FIVE HORSES TO WATCH

LEWIS BAY -- She's 3 for 5 lifetime and the two losses had her in second place. Irad Ortiz Jr. is on board for Chad Brown and the last time out they successfully took the grade 2 Gazelle at Aqueduct on a muddy track...defeating a couple of these. I like the speed rating (99) and the way this horse lays slightly off the pace and closes. At 8-1 there is some value there also.

CATHRYN SOPHIA -- This filly is 4 for 5 lifetime...losing last time out at Keeneland to Weep No More and Rachel's Valentina. She was the favorite that day and some say she didn't care for the Keeneland surface. With Javier Castellano on board, I go back to the Davona Dale race back in February as a better indication on her power...she won easily that day and by seven lengths. She seems to like the Churchill surface in her workouts...watch her!

GO MAGGIE GO -- Lightly races but impressive with a 2 for 2 lifetime record...she likes to go to the lead and play "come catch me". Local trainer Dale Romans has employed Luis Saez to ride and she looked very impressive in winning the Gulfstream Park Oaks. Value at 12-1

LAND OVER SEA --  Cagey trainer Doug O'Neill sends this one to the post with a lifetime record of two wins in nine starts and four seconds. She won the Fairground Oaks last out...with John Velazquez aboard but O'Neill is going back to regular rider Mario Gutierrez for Friday. She was impressive in coming off the pace to win in New Orleans and...the exercise rider trains her in the mornings wearing UofL gear! At 5-1...she could definitely get a part of the mutuals. 

RACHEL'S VALENTINA -- 2 for 4 lifetime, she barely lost in the Ashland Stakes to Weep No More...a horse I'm still debating. This is Todd Pletcher and John Velazquez teaming up. They ran well in the Breeders Cup last fall...second to Songbird...who will not run in the Oaks...and will be another that will vye for the early lead and try to pull away in the stretch. 7/2 odds may climb higher by Friday.

We'll be back for a final look Friday...