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 Elloluv is the morning like favorite for the 2003 Kentucky Oaks. |
Dateline: 04/29/2003
Oaks at Churchill Downs. A field of 12 has been entered highlited by the 1-2 finishers of the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland, Elloluv and Lady Tak. That was the first career defeat for Lady Tak, but Elloluv, who has yet to be out of the money in 7 starts, gets the nod as favorite based on that 3 3/4 length victory.
Craig Dollase, trainer of Elloluv, said: "She's just as good now — or better. She’s been consistent and hasn't missed a beat. She always puts herself right in the race, and we'll obviously dictate things right from the get-go. I'm happy with that. That's fine."
 Lady Tak winner of the Fair Grounds Oaks and second favorite for the 2003 Oaks. |
Hoping to upset the top two as third choice is Bob Baffert's Santa Caterina. She won her only start this year and was second and third to Storm Flag Flying last year in the Frizette and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies respectively. Baffert said: "I gave her a break after that. She needed some time to get it together. She's starting to act a lot like she did last summer, which is great to see."
For more info, news, and notes on the Oaks, check the special Oaks section at Churchill Downs. Free past performances are available from DRF. You can watch most of the Oaks card on EPSN or ESPN2 on Friday afternoon. The Oaks itself will be on ESPN2 from 5:00-6:00pm EDT. Free selections from Glenners are available now for the entire Oaks card.
Here are the entries for the Kentucky Oaks. Be sure to click the link on each horse's name to view full info, stats, and a photo from Churchill Downs. All starters carry 121 lbs.
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Odds |
| 1 | Elloluv | Craig Dollase | Robby Albarado | 5-2 |
| 2 | My Boston Gal | Carl Nafzger | Pat Day | 4-1 |
| 3 | Go for Glamour | C. Beau Greely | Alex Solis | 20-1 |
| 4 | Holiday Lady | Nick Zito | Jose Santos | 20-1 |
| 5 | Bird Town | Nick Zito | Edgar Prado | 10-1 |
| 6 | Yell | Shug McGaughey | John Velazquez | 8-1 |
| 7 | Lady Tak | Steve Asmussen | Jerry Bailey | 4-1 |
| 8 | Atlantic Ocean | Bob Baffert | David Flores | 10-1 |
| 9 | Tempus Fugit | Ken McPeek | Shane Sellers | 50-1 |
| 10 | In Case of Wind | William Million | Calvin Borel | 50-1 |
| 11 | Santa Catarina | Bob Baffert | Gary Stevens | 9-2 |
| 12 | Island Fashion | Nick Canani | Pat Valenzuela | 30-1 |
 Santa Catarina one of two oaks entrants for trainer Bob Baffert. |
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Photos ©2003 Cindy Pierson Dulay
