Kathleen O. Tests Churchill Track in Final KY Oaks Work
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Kathleen O. works in company April 30 at Churchill Downs
Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) contender Kathleen O. is not a particularly keen work horse, but Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey can't complain about the Upstart filly's undefeated record. So McGaughey seemed perfectly content April 30 with an easy four-furlong move in :47 4/5 at Churchill Downs, Kathleen O.'s lone trip over the surface in advance of the May 6 Oaks.
Winner of the April 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2), the March 5 Davona Dale Stakes Presented by FanDuel (G2), the Jan. 1 Cash Run Stakes, and a Nov. 12 maiden special weight for owner Pat Kearney's Winngate Stables, Kathleen O. turned in works April 23 and April 16 at Keeneland before she shipped to Churchill. Saturday with exercise rider David Jego aboard, she tracked a workmate throughout.
"She's not a real good work horse, and she worked really good today," McGaughey said. "I think she likes this track. Her works at Payson were always just OK; in fact, the one before the Davona Dale was not even OK … When I saw her work at Keeneland, the first time we worked her there, more of a solid track, I thought it was the best I'd seen her work all winter and then I think this was every bit as good, if not better."
Of race day, McGaughey said, "We don't have to worry about her on that day. She shows up."
Also on the Saturday worktab at Churchill was Godolphin's Gazelle Stakes (G3) winner Nostalgic (four furlongs in :48 3/5) for Hall of Famer Bill Mott; Don't Tell My Wife Stables' and Keith Desormeaux's Bourbonette Oaks winner Candy Raid (four furlongs in :48 4/5); and Dixiana Farms' Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) runner-up Cocktail Moments (five furlongs in 1:00 4/5) for Kenny McPeek. At Keeneland, Sekie Yoshihara and Tsunebumi Yoshihara's Fantasy Stakes (G3) winner Yuugiri clocked six furlongs in 1:01 3/5 for trainer Rudolphe Brisset.
In California, H & E Ranch's upset Santa Anita Oaks (G1) winner Desert Dawn drilled five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 for trainer Phil D'Amato. She is set to ship May 1 to Churchill Downs.