A field of promising young fillies are throwing a lawn party in Oldsmar at the start of another racing week.
The seventh is for optional allowance types going a mile and it would appear Graham Motion has this race in hand, but the question is which of the two entered gets the prize.
Will is be favored Grand Oak (9-5), dropping out of a series of listed stakes, or will it be the filly who broke maiden last out, over this course and at this trip, Mission of Joy (5-2).
The video makes a nice distinction between the two. While one is getting class relief, the other showed more promise in her maiden win on DEC 3rd here, a most compelling turf debut.
Breaking from post 10, Antonio Gallardo let her roll away from the barrier, assumed a stalking position out the even money choice, moved sharply into contention on the final turn, leaving the favorite in her wake.
At headstretch, Gallardo got her to switch to her proper lead and the acceleration was instantaneous. When she started running in earnest, her turn of foot was explosive as she lengthened stride.
Her figure was competitive and on the quick side. Taking no chance, Motion gave her recovery time and she reappear vs. better here but Gallardo is not letting the filly out of his sights. Can blame him.
We’re betting Mission of Joy to win at 2-1 or greater and boxing an exacta with her classy mate.
