Grace Hall stamped herself as one of the favorites for the upcoming $1,000,000 Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) when she drew off powerfully in the Gulfstream Park homestretch to win the nine-furlong Gulfstream Oaks (gr. II) by about six lengths.
Ridden to victory by Javier Castellano, Grace Hall got off to a good start and settled into the third position early on as Davona Dale Stakes (gr. II) winner Yara set a moderately quick pace of :23.74 and :47.19. The Cat's All That was right behind her in second. Hearts of Red was rating in fourth toward the inside, followed on the outside by Captivating Lass and Zo Impressive. And Why Not and Emma's Encore were the early trailers.
The positions remained relatively unchanged down the backstretch, but as the field moved into the far turn Grace Hall moved up to challenge Yara for the lead as The Cat's All That dropped back. Zo Impressive was also making an eye-catching bid, but was caught a bit wide in the process.
Entering the homestretch Grace Hall held a commanding advantage over Yara, and although Zo Impressive was finishing up strongly, she proved no match for Grace Hall, who drew off with authority to win in decisive fashion. The final time was 1:49.36.
Zo Impressive finished second, about 2 1/2 lengths clear of Hearts of Red, who in turn finished a nose in front of The Cat's All That. Yara, Captivating Lass, And Why Not, and Emma's Encore completed the order of finish.
Trained by Anthony Dutrow, Grace Hall has now won four of her six starts, including the Spinaway Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga as a juvenile.
-Keelerman
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