Loved Seeks Second Straight Graded Score in Bayakoa

Brendan Walsh-trained Loved  finally got over the graded stakes hump last-time out with a victory in the Nov. 28 Falls City Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs. Now, she aims to make it two in a row as she faces five rivals traveling 1 1/16 miles in the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) Feb. 8 at Oaklawn Park.

In the Falls City the Godolphin homebred, a Medaglia d'Oro   half sister to two-time grade 1 winner Maxfield  , raced midpack early before releasing a devastating rally to assertively conquer seven rivals by 3 3/4 lengths. The 6-year-old mare has proven versatile throughout her career, registering victories both on the lead and from off the pace—a quality that should be beneficial Saturday as both the inside horses, Corningstone  and Wild Bout Hilary , exit front-running stakes scores.

Corningstone has been a hard-knocking runner throughout her career, earning $756,318 for owners Payson Stud and RTA Trust. The 5-year-old Kantharos   mare has only been off the board once in her last 11 starts. Trained by Kenny McPeek, she seeks her first graded win off two consecutive Oaklawn stakes wins.

Also continuing her long search for graded glory is Free Like a Girl , who is owned by trainer Chasey Deville Pomier in partnership with Gerald Bruno Jr. and Jerry Caroom. The 6-year-old El Deal  mare is twice grade 1-placed and a 19-time stakes winner, but has yet to take home that graded win honor. She enters off two weeks rest from a fourth-place effort in the Jan. 25 Houston Ladies Classic Stakes (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park.