Running Secret Oath in the Arkansas Derby: Lukas’ Bold Move
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas surprised everyone when he announced that he plans to run his standout filly, Secret Oath, against the boys in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on April 2 at Oaklawn Park. This decision came after Secret Oath’s impressive victory in the Grade 3 Honeybee Stakes, where she won by a whopping 7 1/2 lengths.
A Risk Worth Taking
At first glance, it might seem perplexing to pit Secret Oath against colts instead of running her in the Kentucky Oaks, for which she has already qualified. However, when we delve deeper into the reasons behind Lukas’ decision, it begins to make sense.
Qualified for the Oaks
Secret Oath has already accumulated enough points through her victories in the Martha Washington and Honeybee Stakes to qualify for the Kentucky Oaks on May 6. With 60 points secured, Lukas and the filly’s owners, Robert and Stacy Mitchell, have expressed their intention to participate in the prestigious Oaks race.
“I’ve got the Oaks, anyhow,” Lukas said confidently. “That’s where I’m going.”
Challenging the 20-Horse Field
One of the key factors influencing the decision to bypass the Kentucky Derby is the sheer size of its field. Lukas and the Mitchells are hesitant about subjecting Secret Oath to the chaos of a 20-horse race. They believe that the Oaks, with its equal prestige, provides a more suitable and less crowded opportunity for the talented filly to showcase her abilities.
“They don’t want to run in a 20-horse field. They feel like the Oaks is every bit as prestigious,” Lukas explained.
Follow Lukas’ Lead
Running fillies against colts is not new for D. Wayne Lukas. In fact, it is one of his signature moves. He has achieved remarkable success in such endeavors, including winning the 1988 Kentucky Derby with the bold filly, Winning Colors. Lukas’ previous triumphs in the Arkansas Derby and other prestigious races demonstrate his expertise in handling these unique challenges.
Secret Oath’s Dominance
Secret Oath’s past performances further support Lukas’ decision. In her three races, she has left her competitors stunned, finishing with an impressive combined margin of victory of 23 lengths. She won her debut by 8 1/4 lengths in a December allowance race, followed by a 7 1/4-length victory in the Martha Washington and a commanding 7 1/2-length triumph in the Honeybee Stakes.
In the Honeybee Stakes, Secret Oath set a career-high Equibase Speed Figure of 100, eclipsing even the figure achieved by Un Ojo, the surprising winner of the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes on the same day. With such dominant performances, Secret Oath has undoubtedly proven her talent and potential as a formidable contender.
The Attraction of the Arkansas Derby
Another factor driving Lukas’ decision is the substantial purse offered by the Arkansas Derby. With a prize pool of $1.25 million, it presents an unprecedented opportunity for Secret Oath to compete for a hefty sum of money. Lukas acknowledges that, except for the Breeders’ Cup, it’s unlikely she’ll ever race for a larger purse.
Home-Track Advantage
Running Secret Oath in the Arkansas Derby also brings the advantage of familiarity with the racetrack. Having already raced at Oaklawn Park, the filly is well-acquainted with its nuances and idiosyncrasies. Lukas believes that if you’re going to take an unconventional route, doing it on familiar ground is a smart move. With her previous success at the track, Secret Oath should feel confident in her ability to perform at her best.
An Optimal Timing
Under the current race schedule, both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby take place five weeks after the Arkansas Derby. This change from the previous three-week gap presents an advantage for Lukas. He finds the five-week period more favorable in terms of timing, and it aligns well with Oaklawn’s extended 66-day race season.
Concluding Remarks
D. Wayne Lukas has once again shown his daring and strategic approach to horse racing by choosing to run Secret Oath against colts in the Arkansas Derby. As an experienced trainer with a remarkable track record, his decision is based on careful evaluation and consideration of multiple factors. Secret Oath’s exceptional performances, the allure of the Arkansas Derby’s substantial purse, and the timing of the races all contribute to this bold move.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has a filly ever won the Arkansas Derby before?
No, a filly has never won the Arkansas Derby. However, D. Wayne Lukas, the trainer of Secret Oath, has a history of success in running fillies against colts.
2. How does running Secret Oath in the Arkansas Derby affect her chances in the Kentucky Oaks?
Running in the Arkansas Derby does not jeopardize Secret Oath’s eligibility for the Kentucky Oaks. She has already qualified for the Oaks through her victories in previous races.
3. Why did D. Wayne Lukas choose to run Secret Oath against colts instead of fillies?
Lukas’ decision is based on several factors, including the desire to avoid the crowded field of the Kentucky Derby and the attractiveness of the Arkansas Derby’s generous purse. Lukas’ past successes in running fillies against colts further influenced his choice.
4. What is the significance of Secret Oath’s dominating performances?
Secret Oath’s impressive victories showcase her talent and potential as a top racehorse. Her commanding margins of victory and high Equibase Speed Figures solidify her status as a formidable contender.
5. Will Secret Oath compete in future races against colts?
While Secret Oath’s participation in future races against colts has not been confirmed, her trainer D. Wayne Lukas has a history of running fillies in such races. It would not be surprising to see Secret Oath take on colts again in the future given her exceptional performances.
