Vequist Targeting Davona Dale to Start 2021 Campaign
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Vequist wins the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland
A Florida path to the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) is in the works for Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) winner Vequist.
Trainer Butch Reid said Dec. 18 that Vequist is likely to get two preps leading up to the goal of the Kentucky Oaks, starting with the Feb. 27 Davona Dale Stakes, a $200,000, one-turn mile for 3-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park.
Reid is then targeting the $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) March 27 as a 1 1/16-mile final Kentucky Oaks prep for the Nyquist filly.
"There could be variables, but the general idea is the Davona Dale, then the Gulfstream Oaks, and Kentucky Oaks," Reid said. "I want a two-turn race for her before the Kentucky Oaks so the Gulfstream Park Oaks should line up well."
A year ago, Jaywalk, winner of the Juvenile Fillies and champion 2-year-old filly of 2018, started her 3-year-old season in the 2019 Davona Dale and was fourth. Jaywalk, like Vequist, was based at Parx Racing.
Vequist, owned by Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable, and Swilcan Stables, is currently galloping at Eisaman Equine near Ocala and is expected to join Reid's stable at Palm Meadows Training Center around the end of the month.
"She got a nice six weeks off," he said of the filly bred by Swilcan, who also won the Spinaway Stakes (G1). "She put on some weight and looks fantastic."