Flying Connection Gives Fincher First Trip to Oaks

Though New Mexico-based trainer Todd Fincher's Kentucky Oaks (G1) contender Flying Connection  may be 'flying' under the radar compared with her highly touted competitors, it is hard to miss the daughter of 2016 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Nyquist   in the mornings at Churchill Downs as she gallops by with her turquoise saddle pad and matching polo's.

The filly shipped in from Sunland Park earlier this month and turned in her final breeze ahead of the Oaks April 27 where she went five furlongs in 1:00 3/5. Her previous start was a win in the March 26 Sunland Park Oaks that earned her entry into the May 5 starting gate.

"She's done great. I didn't think she could do much better but she's doing even better here," Fincher said. "We're not changing anything up, we're just keeping her happy and healthy and keeping her fit. She's ready so we'll get to see how deserving she is."

Purchased as a yearling for $250,000 from Gainesway's consignment at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Flying Connection is campaigned in partnership by Brad King, Randy Andrews, Chris Coleman, Jim Cone, Suzanne Kirby, and Lee Lewis.

Fincher, who competed in the Breeders' Cup for the first time last fall, will contest his first Kentucky Oaks Friday. But he is closing in on 1,400 career wins and last year won graded stakes in Kentucky with Slammed  in the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G2) at Keeneland and Senor Buscador  in the Ack Ack Stakes (G3) at Churchill. He says he is not letting any of it get to his head. 

"I've done this long enough that you don't let yourself get too excited or put too much pressure on yourself," Fincher said.