As expected, Indian Blessing went to the lead immediately and Proud Spell stalked her in second, as the champion clicked off fractions of 24.53, 48.17, and 1:12.80 in a virtual match race. The two other fillies in the field, Acacia and Wisconsin Lady, contested their own match race as many as 12 lengths back of the leaders. Indian Blessing continued to lead to the 1/8 pole, but jockey Gabriel Saez eased Proud Spell out for the drive, allowing the daughter of Proud Citizen to eat into Indian Blessing's lead. Proud Spell found another gear and powered ahead at the 1/16 pole to win going away by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:44.01. It was a long 11 1/2 lengths back from Indian Blessing to Acacia, and another 9 1/4 to Wisconsin Lady last.
2008 Louisiana Derby Day Part 1
By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide
Proud Spell wins the 2008 Fair Grounds Oaks
Proud Spell wins the 2008 Fair Grounds Oaks
© Vanessa Ng
The $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) is the filly counterpart to the Louisiana Derby. Just four 3-year-old fillies entered this 1 1/16 mile contest, with undefeated champion Indian Blessing sent off as the heavy 3-10 favorite coming off a win in the Silverbulletday. The filly she defeated in that prep and in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, Proud Spell, was back again as the 2-1 second choice.
Prev
- Pyro wins the 2008 Louisiana Derby
- Pyro in the winner's circle
- Pyro in the paddock
- Second place finisher My Pal Charlie
- Third place finisher Yankee Bravo
- Proud Spell wins the 2008 Fair Grounds Oaks
- Proud Spell in the winner's circle
- Proud Spell returns after the race
- Second place finisher and beaten favorite Indian Blessing
- Danceroftherealm wins the 2008 Bienville Stakes at the Fair Grounds
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