The first Friday in May at Churchill Downs will be in focus on the first Friday in April at Keeneland as the opening-day Ashland Stakes (G1) at the Lexington track will add some clarity to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) outlook. The Ashland offers 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points, with the winner guaranteed a spot in the field of 14 for the Oaks, giving the seven starters a final chance to earn a spot in the race.
1. Nycon (20-1 morning-line odds): Was second in the Busher Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack and should like the added distance here. Getting a rail trip adds to her appeal.
JOCKEY: Jaime Torres; TRAINER: Whit Beckman
2. Percy's Bar (7-2): Was disqualified and placed second in the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) here last year. Also won her career debut at Keeneland, so she loves the track. Could be a tough spot to make her first start in five months.
JOCKEY: Luan Machado; TRAINER: Ben Colebrook
3. Zany (4-5): Has been nothing but impressive in her three starts and three wins. Only has 30 Oaks points and could use at least 25 more, so she will be primed for a big effort.
JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher
4. French Friction (9-2): Has won both of her starts decisively but has yet to race beyond 6 furlongs. Has plenty of speed, though, and could have a big say on the outcome.
JOCKEY: Cristian Torres; TRAINER: Mark Casse
5. Omaha Bay (12-1): Tired to finish fourth in the one-mile Davona Dale Stakes (G2) in her second career start. Could move forward off that try.
JOCKEY: Javier Castellano; TRAINER: Ian Wilkes
6. Hollybygolly (20-1): A bit of a mystery as she has yet to race on dirt. Showed dramatic improvement when moved from turf to the all-weather track and could be a threat if she transfers that form to dirt.
JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Rodolphe Brisset
7. Star Actress (6-1): Will get a big screen test here in her stakes debut after collecting her first win in a race held at this distance in her second career start.
JOCKEY: Junior Alvarado; TRAINER: William Mott
THE PICK: Zany
LIVE LONGSHOT: Nycon
SUPERFECTA: 3-4-1-2
