R Heat Lightning proved this afternoon that she is one of, if not the, favorites for the grade I Kentucky Oaks on May 6th when she drew off under a hand ride in the Gulfstream Park homestretch to win the $300,000 Gulfstream Oaks (gr. II) by daylight.
Ridden by John Velazquez, the filly was caught five wide going around the first turn, but settled nicely into the three path entering the backstretch. Longshot Triune set the early pace, with Beso Grande, Kindersly, Salary Drive, and R Heat Lightning all right in contention. Island School and It's Tricky were far back.
The early pace was quick, but it didn't affect R Heat Lightning. She took over the lead on the far turn and began to draw away entering the homestretch. Island School was rallying strongly from far behind, but R Heat Lightning was never threatened in the stretch, drawing away to win in a sharp 1:49.27.
Island Time finished second, followed by Salary Drive and It's Tricky.
-Keelerman
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