Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) Candidate Kathleen O. not a particularly keen working horse, but Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey can’t complain about Start up Filly’s undefeated record. So McGaughey seems perfectly happy with April 30 with an easy four-way walk in: 47 4/5 at Churchill DownsKathleen O.’s solitary walk across the surface in front of the oaks May 6.
Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) winners on April 2, Davona Dale stakes presented by FanDuel (G2) on March 5, draw bets on January 1 and special weights first on Nov. 12 for Pat Kearney’s Winngate Stables owner, Kathleen O. Filmed on April 23 and April 16 at Keeneland before she moved to Churchill. Saturday with gymnast David Jego on board, she watched a friend work throughout.
“She’s not a good workhorse, and she did a great job today,” said McGaughey. “I think she likes this track. Her compositions at Payson have always been fine; in fact, the song before Davona Dale wasn’t even good… When I saw her working at Keeneland, the first time I saw her working at Keeneland. we work with her there, more of a solid track, I think this is the best I’ve seen her work during the winter and then I think this is a bit good , if not better.”
On race day, McGaughey said, “We don’t have to worry about her on that day. She’ll show up.”
Also on Saturday’s agenda at Churchill was Godolphin’s Gazelle Stakes (G3) winner recall (four pads at: 48 3/5) for Bill Mott Family Hall; Don’t Tell My Wife Stables and Bourbonette Oaks Winner by Keith Desormeaux Candy Raid (four scissors in: 48 4/5); and Dixiana Farms Ashland Stakes (G1) Central Bank Cocktail Moments runner-up (five trophies at 1:00 p.m. on May 4) to Kenny McPeek. At Keeneland, Sekie Yoshihara and Tsunebumi Yoshihara’s Fantasy Stakes (G3) win Yugiri 6 furlongs watch in 1:01 3/5 for coach Rudolphe Brisset.
In California, H&E Ranch’s Santa Anita Oaks (G1) winner upset Desert dawn drilled 5 drills at 1:00 on 3/5 for coach Phil D’Amato. She will be transferred to Churchill Downs on May 1.
