Thrilling motion round advancing far flip Secret Vow To the Kentucky Oaks (G1) victory on the first Friday of May last year, when the Arrogate mare failed her last five starts. As valiant as he tried, each time his patented strike fell short. And so, as the Briland Farm domestic breed began to break three-eighth poles in the $350,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) on March 11, everyone in the stands watched with bated breath – will the trademark move fail him again?
#1 SECRET OATH ($4.80) earns its 2023 debut by taking the Azeri Stakes (GII) at Oaklawn Park. @Tyler_Gaff D. Wayne was on board for Lukas. Congratulations to all connections! watch extra @fandueltv. pic.twitter.com/51um5aCfiz
— TVG (@TVG) March 11, 2023
As the sector entered the lane separately and the widest, the Secret Oath, bulldozed previous every of their opponents, the viewers received their reply: The Secret Oath wouldn’t be denied. He would win by 2 3/4 lengths.
The Secret Vow was a last-minute withdrawal from the 2022 Fasig-Tipton November Sale when Briland Farm’s Robert and Stacy Mitchell selected to maintain their valuable mares in coaching with Corridor of Fame coach D. Wayne Lukas at age 4.
4-month renewal and return Oaklawn Park It proved the recipe for achievement for the Secret Oath crew. Coming again to the place the Honeybee (G3) and Martha Washington Stakes victories had been, the Oaks winner was in a robust breeze for his 4-year-old debut, 1.1/16 mile Azeri.
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There can be two extra obstacles. Luis Saez, common jockey of the Secret Oath, Gulfstream Park He toured all winter, selecting to experience in Tampa, piloted by aspiring sophomore and trainee Todd Pletcher. Tapit Trice To a formidable win within the Tampa Bay Derby (W3). Concern not, rising star athlete Tyler Gaffalione has been given a mount.
The final hurdle—clairiere . Azeri would even be the comeback race for her a number of 1st diploma winners. folded . Clariere, who earned over $2 million, beat Secret Oath in a stout third in a three-way blanket end. malathat And Blue Stripe On the unforgettable run of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
When it got here time to race, these hurdles did not matter for the Secret Oath, which Gaffalione conceded was one of many “best horses to experience” to observe the Azeri. Starting their 14th life on Saturday, Secret Oath and Gaffalione raced nicely behind the early splits of :23.63 and :48.39, behind each horse besides Clairiere, who was on the very again of the pack. The Secret Vow, like clockwork, handed the horses one after the other, till they went to the entrance.
Secret Oath wins Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park
“I understand how he kicks, so I let him discover himself the place he needed to be,” stated Gaffalone. “As he entered (the second flip), he tried to go to the three-pole in eight. I held him for a bit and he instantly turned to me. He swung her as she descended from the strain. He confirmed him his whip as soon as, and he did the job nicely.”
Daughter of Mitchell’s courageous, pickpocket mare Absinthe Considerate (Quiet American) stopped the timer at 1:43.26 on a quick essential highway. Returned $4.80 for a $2 win ticket.
Caught in late site visitors, the privileged Clairiere tried to dodge and advance by way of the enemies, however was unable to seize the Secret Oath. he was a greater head interstate dream to be second
“He got here operating,” jockey Joel Rosario stated of Clairiere. “The opposite filly (Secret Vow) had race at this time. He got here ahead, nevertheless it appears the winner was in a position to soar within the open air. That is the way it goes.
The long-legged darkish copper filly that clinched the racing world final spring with a string of thrilling victories and an Arkansas Derby (G1) bid had as soon as once more discovered its strategy to the winners’ circle. Eighty-seven-year-old Lukas has already mapped the Oath’s subsequent goal.
“If all goes nicely, Apple can be at Blossom (G1, April 15 in Oaklawn),” Lukas stated. “I do not suppose we’ll change something. Tyler gave him a wonderful journey (at this time); precisely how we drew it.
Video: Azeri S. (G2)
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