[/caption]Racing’s day of pink has arrived. In just a few short hours Churchill Downs will slowly begin to fill with thousands of fans ready to witness an exciting day of racing and the stands will rapidly become a sea of pink. Pink has become the color of preference at the Kentucky Oaks since it began to partner with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 2009, a joined effort to bring a broader awareness to breast cancer. This year the Survivors Walk will be held for the third consecutive year; 137 survivors of breast cancer will parade past the stands down the track followed by the cheers and applause from the many thousands of supporters and well wishers. It is easily one of the most heartwarming and inspiring moments I have witness while at the track.
At approximately 5:45 P.M. Eastern time today, a field of thirteen fillies that comprise one of the most talented Oaks fields in history, will break from the gates at Churchill Downs, run around the dirt oval and lay their hearts out on the line in the final furlong, but only one will cross the finish wire first. When those thirteen fillies hit the head of the stretch in the Oaks all the best laid plans, analysis and theories will be forgotten as the rush of the moment takes over and all that matters is winning.
This year’s Oaks is an exceptionally tough race to handicap and I have been picking my brain trying to decide how the race will play out. To be completely honest I would only be surprised to see Suave Voir Faire, Her Smile, Bouquet Booth and Street Storm win. Of the remaining ten fillies each and every one has proven themselves to be a gifted athlete, worthy of exceptional racing ability.
As a fan I will be rooting for Joyful Victory to win. The more I see of this filly the more I like her. Not only has she proven herself to be one of the most brilliant performers of the year with two consecutive victories, she also has one of the most amiable trainers in the game in Larry Jones, a trainer I hold in very high regard. Jones won the Kentucky Oaks in 2008 with Proud Spell but has never had a filly quite this good leading up to the big dance. This week Joyful Victory has been training like a monster and appears ready for another huge performance.....[Read the complete post here on Horse Racing Nation]
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