The $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) is the major race for older fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park. A field of 5 contested this 1 1/16 mile trip on Friday afternoon, with Havre de Grace sent off as the 1-2 favorite off her win in the Azeri (G3), the major local prep for this event. In to challenge her included 2-1 second choice Switch, second in the Santa Margarita (G1) after winning the Santa Monica (G1) both at Santa Anita, and 8-1 third choice, Santa Margarita winner Miss Match.
Jockey Terry Thompson sent 11-1 Absinthe Minded to the lead first time past the stands and she set an uncontested pace of 23.90, 47.92, and 1:11.99 over the fast track while 1 1/2 lengths in front of Switch stalking her second. Into the stretch, Switch moved up, poking her head in front in mid-stretch through 1 mile in 1:42.19, but Havre de Grace, third early, came out 4 wide into the lane and closed strongly late to win by 3/4 length in 1:42.19. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to pacesetter Absinthe Minded third.
