Top pick: #1 (KAUAI KATIE) (6-5) - Daughter of "Malibu Moon" has won six of seven overall, with her only blemish coming when she finished fourth to eventual champ "Beholder" at Santa Anita last Nov in the "Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies"(G1).That was her only race around two-turns and this is a one turn or "flat" mile. Pletcher trained and Velazquez ridden, she's the only filly entered who has won here in the past and did so in the G2 "Matron" in late Sep. The horse to beat.
2nd pick: #5 (Midnight Lucky) (8-5) - Lightly raced and speedy, Baffert trained filly was an impressive winner of the $200k "Sunland Park Oaks" on March 24 in her first facing winners. Sent to Churchill Downs for the May 3 "Kentucky Oaks"(G1) she tired during the stretch run to finish fifth after setting a quick and pressured pace. Grey daughter of "Midnight Lute" has been training fast at Churchill since and will be in front as long as she can. Dangerous.
3rd pick: #6 (Close Hatches) (6-1) - Juddmonte Farms filly was undefeated (three for three) going into the May 3 "Kentucky Oaks"(G1) and drew a very difficult outside post (10th of 10). She was forced into a 4-5 wide trip and the final result isn't as bad as it looks on paper. Stakes winner can factor in this small field at a square price.