Pair of Unbeaten Fillies Head Field for 112th Running of Kentucky Oaks

A pair of unbeaten fillies on a collision course and a strong field of challengers may make today’s 112th running of the Kentucky Oaks a better race than the more-publicized Kentucky Derby.

“This is one of the best Oaks in years,” said Laz Barrera, trainer of Tiffany Lass, the likely second choice.

“This race could be better than the Derby,” said Bill Shoemaker, who will ride Hidden Light, the favorite in the $188,600 race.

Aaron Jones’ Tiffany Lass, coming off a 2 1/2-length victory in Oaklawn Park’s Fantasy Stakes three weeks ago, will be ridden by Gary Stevens.

Should all 13 start the 1 1/8-mile test for 3-year-old fillies, the winner will earn $122,590.

Challenging the unbeaten pair will be Ashland Stakes winner Classy Cathy and a pair of entries from multiple Oaks-winning trainers Woody Stephens and Wayne Lukas.

Stephens, a five-time Oaks winner, will send out Lotka and I’m Sweets. Lotka, second to Tiffany Lass in the Fantasy, will be ridden by Jerry Bailey. I’m Sweets, sixth in the Ashland, will be ridden by Eddie Maple.

Lukas, who trained Blush With Pride in 1982 and Lucky Lucky Lucky in 1984, will start three fillies, including Family Style, last year’s Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old filly.

Completing Lukas’ entry will be Life at the Top, fourth in her last start, and Arewehavingfunyet, fourth to colts in the Arkansas Derby two weeks ago.

Rounding out the field will be She’s A Mystery, second in the Ashland; Trim Colony, fifth in the same race; Turn And Dance, twice third to Tiffany Lass; Dynamic Star, and Ice Cream Social.