Virginia Oaks

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

CHECK THE LABEL (Stormin Fever) looms extremely large in Saturday’s $150,000
Virginia Oaks (G3). Winner of the Appalachian S. (G3) two starts back, the
Graham Motion-trained lass returned from a freshening with an excellent 1
1/2-length score in the May 31 Sands Point S. (G2) at Belmont Park, scoring at
Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile distance. With the possibility of further improvement, the
dark bay looks like a standout over her nine rivals at Colonial Downs.

MARTITA SANGRITA (Johar) brings improving BRIS Late Pace ratings into this
event, registering a 109 for her fast-finishing fourth in the Boiling Springs S.
(G3) last time, and rates the best chance at an upset should the favorite
falter. Conditioned by Michael Matz, the chestnut should be able to save ground
from her inside post position before offering her best rally.

JUNGLE TALE (Lion Heart) has been switched to Jonathan Sheppard following a
pair of thirds versus entry-level allowance foes at Churchill Downs. Runner-up in
last year’s Natalma S. (Can-G3), the chestnut merits consideration
for a top-three placing in her third start of the year. She registered
commendable BRIS numbers last season and is bred to stretch out in distance.
We’ll use her on the bottom beneath Kent Desormeaux.

IN THE ROUGH (Stormy Atlantic) brings decent turf form into this event and
looks like a potential exotics player at long odds for Kelly Breen. The bay lass
has class concerns, but her BRIS numbers are solid and this isn’t the most
difficult spot.

FRANCES GARDNER (Johar) is another one to consider for a minor award. A
maiden winner two back at Churchill Downs, she offered a good run for third when
trying winners last time for Alex Clarkson and shows a nice five-furlong breeze
in preparation for this start. We won’t be surprised to see the late runner
continue to move forward. DISTORTED PROMISE (Distorted Humor) has shown some
glimpses of turf talent for Eric Reed, but we’ll give her a race at the stakes
level.

MIDWAY HOLIDAY (Harlan’s Holiday) is two-for-two on turf, but she hasn’t been
on the sod since December and faces a steep class test. KILMORE QUAY (Ire)
(Traditionally) was no factor when making her U.S. bow in the American One
Thousand Guineas last time and didn’t show enough in Europe for us to recommend
her chances here. ANOTHER SMOKEY (Heckle) and MOREKISSESFORPATTI (Unbridled’s
Song) probably aren’t fast enough to factor.