Keeneland Photo
The spectacular and unbeaten filly Cathryn Sophia, who has yet to be challenged in four starts, breezed four furlongs in :48.20 at Keeneland on the morning of April 3rd as she prepares for a start in the $500,000 Central Bank Ashland Stakes (gr. I) on April 9th at Keeneland.
After winning the Forward Gal Stakes (gr. II) and Davona Dale Stakes (gr. II) at Gulfstream Park by 5 1/2 and 7 lengths, respectively, Cathryn Sophia has become one of the favorites for the May 6th Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) at Churchill Downs, with the Ashland Stakes expected to mark her final prep for the Oaks.
According to a report on the Keeneland website, Cathryn Sophia went the first quarter-mile in :25.60 before finishing in an exceptional :22.60 and continuing on through five furlongs in 1:01 flat and six furlongs in 1:14.60.
“I am tickled to death with it, tickled to death,” trainer John Servis was quoted as saying. “If you can’t be happy with that, you are not a happy guy.”
Cathryn Sophia had been under consideration for the April 2nd Gulfstream Park Oaks (gr. II) at Gulfstream Park, but Servis opted to send his filly to Keeneland instead. “Obviously the Grade 1 made a difference and if she is fortunate enough to win it would be nice to have on her resume,” Servis said. “And I like the five weeks between races and then wheeling back in four weeks for the Kentucky Oaks.
“If we are fortunate enough to do well (in the Ashland), the plan would be to stay here until a week before the Oaks,” Servis said. “I like the atmosphere here.”
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