Southlawn Delivers Upset in Fair Grounds Oaks
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Photo: Hodges Photography / Jamie Newell
Southlawn wins the Fair Grounds Oaks at Fair Grounds
Having campaigned the likes of multiple grade 1 winner Tepin and grade 3 winner Sheets , it seems about time that a fresh face joined Robert Masterson's lineup. The 3-year-old filly Southlawn proved she is right for the job.
After agent Deuce Greathouse went to $290,000 to secure the filly for the owner from Denali Stud's consignment to the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Masterson eventually sent Southlawn to Norm Casse's stable where the daughter of Pioneerof the Nile had a somewhat challenged 1-for-5 juvenile year.
Despite the past inconsistencies, the filly strolled into 2023 strong and ready to go, showing that form with an allowance optional claiming victory Feb. 17 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. She returned to the New Orleans oval March 25, using that prep as an igniter for the $376,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2).
Taking the stretch by storm, it was clear the fire was burning inside Southlawn as she rallied from last early in the field to earn a spot in the May 5 Kentucky Oaks (G1) with a 3 1/4-length triumph.
"I was extremely worried. I was worried in the paddock, she got extremely hot. It's very, very hot today," Casse told Fair Grounds publicity. "I thought, 'Man I sure hope this filly isn't having a bad reaction to the heat.' Post-parade was a bit longer than we thought. When she left and wasn't quick enough to be forwardly placed, I was concerned.
"You could tell going into the backstretch she started getting back in her rhythm and really engaged. I'm just proud, mission accomplished. We thought we would win this race a month ago and it's nice when plans come together."
Off last in the 1 1/16-mile race behind frontrunners Christian d'Oro and 6-5 favorite Hoosier Philly , Reylu Gutierrez sat quietly as a quarter-mile passed in :23.65. Up the backstretch in :47.20, the filly began to pick up steam and move up gradually to the middle of the five-horse field. Around the final turn in 1:11.99 and stuck in traffic at the rail, Gutierrez angled the filly out where she found space down the middle of the fast track and soared forward, kicking clear of Pretty Mischievous with a mile in 1:37.86. At the wire, it was all Southlawn, who completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.38.
With the win, Southlawn ($17.40) earns 100 points toward the Kentucky Oaks. Runner-up Pretty Mischievous earned 40, The Alys Look took 30 points for third, and Hoosier Philly nabbed 20.
Christian d'Oro was pulled up in the stretch. After receiving a cooling bath, she walked off the track.
Casse, the son of Hall of Famer Mark Casse, says he is prepared for the Kentucky Oaks.
"Obviously it's very exciting, as far as handling it; we've been there, done that," the younger Casse said. "I've worked for dad for a long time, been around a lot of nice horses, we know what to do."
Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, Southlawn is one of two winners from as many starters out of grade 3-placed stakes winner Mo d'Amour, by Uncle Mo .
"I was with my dad in Ocala and I said, 'Wouldn't it be something if we had two of the favorites for the Kentucky Oaks?'" Casse said. "He's got Wonder Wheel, I've got Southlawn. We will sort it out on the track."