American Oaks scouting report
Sunday, July 5, Hollywood Park
The Low-Down: In just eight years, the American Oaks Invitational has evolved into one of the best filly and mare turf races in the country with an international flare. This year's renewal is no exception with a stellar cast of 14. There are three imports including runners from England, Ireland and New Zealand. Two of the Euros hail from the powerhouse yards of Henry Cecil and Dermot Weld, who won this race in 2003 with Dimitrova. Get tied on because this is one terrific race.
Our Eyes: It appears that the Tom Albertrani-trained Gozzip Girl is the one to beat as she has won three of her last four races, two of them graded. The beauty of this daughter of Dynaformer is that she is incredibly versatile and has won both on the lead or from well off the pace. Her main American foe appears to be the Michael Matz runner Magical Affair who failed to menace over a very soft turf course in the Sands Point, where Gozzip Girl wired the field. Of the European contingent, Apple Charlotte has won 3-of-4 lifetime starts and relishes the marathon distances. The Irish import Rare Ransom finished fourth in the tough 1000 Guineas, which is one of best Group 1 races in Ireland. Her trainer, Dermot Weld, has been very loyal to this race and his runners almost always run well here. She's never been further than a mile, but it looks like she'll like the real estate.
The Bottom Line: When trainer Dermot Weld sends a horse to the American Oaks, he means business. He's been quoted as saying that Rare Ransom is coming into the race very well and I think she is worth a play here. Gozzip Girl looks like the one to beat. She's versatile and sharp right now. Here's your cold exacta.
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