Cathryn Sophia Victorious in Oaks
Cathryn Sophia established herself as the undisputed queen of this year’s crop of three year-old fillies with a convincing win in the G1 Longines 2016 Kentucky Oaks on Friday before a packed crowd of fans at Churchill Downs.
Breaking from post position 12 she was settled in fourth place under a snug hold by jockey Javier Castellano as she stalked the early leaders down the backside.
Cathryn Sophia Goes the Distance in Oaks
Racing from the 1 hole Terra Promessa broke alertly and lead going intot he first turnwhile being chased by Rachel’s Valentina in a time of 23.32 for the first 1/4 mile. Lewis Bay was tucked down on the rail in third. They got the 1/2 in a modest 47.87 for the 1 1/8 mile distance as Terra Promessa continued to lead going into the far turn. Midway into the far turn Rachel’s Valentina and Cathryn Sophia were inching up to the leader as all three reached the 6 furlong marker in 1:12.60 over a fast track. By the time they reached the top of the stretch it was clear that Terra Promessa and Rachel’s Valentina were done as Lewis Bay slipped through along the rail and Cathryn Sophia was launching her bid four wide.
By the time they reached the 1/8 pole Cathryn Sophia had sprinted away from Lewis Bay on her way to an easy win making it clear that she could get the distance after her disappointing finish in the Ashland in her previous race.
Cathryn Sophia’s margin of victory was 3 lengths in a final time of 1:50.33. Land Over Sea got up for second and Lewis Bay held on for third. The winner paid $11.40. Land Over Sea paid $6.60 to place and Lewis Bay returned $4.60 to show.
