http://www.keeneland.com/racing/keeneland-barn-notes-april-19STEVENS STILL HOPING FOR OAKS SHOT WITH PEACE AND WAR
In nine days, entries will be taken for the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1). For Qatar Racing’s Peace and War to get a spot in the 14-horse starting gate, eight horses with more than the 10 points she has attained will have to pass on the race.
With the thought in mind that a slim chance still exists, trainer Olly Stevens elected to work Peace and War early Sunday morning on the dirt at Keeneland.
“Why worry about rain and work on the turf when the Oaks is what we came for?,” Stevens said. “I am praying that we get in. If we get a shot, that is where we want to go.”
With exercise rider Tegan Clark aboard, Peace and War worked a half-mile in :47.60 with fractions of :12, :24 and :36 over a fast track.
Winner of the Darley Alcibiades (G1) here last fall to earn 10 points toward the Oaks, Peace and War finished last in the Central Bank Ashland (G1) on April 4 in her first race in six months.
“She has done well since the Ashland,” Stevens said. “She had a little skin infection and missed one day of training but had a nice work (last Monday). She did well this morning and I had her in :47 and a shade.
“It is frustrating. She was the fourth-ranked filly in the world last year and under the old system (of graded stakes earnings to get in the Oaks) she would be in the top 10. I know she is a good filly. Maybe I underestimated how taxing the dirt track could be.”
Stevens said Julien Leparoux would retain the mount on Peace and War, who would go to Churchill Downs “as late as possible.”
Peace and War also is nominated to the $200,000 Eight Belles (G3) at seven furlongs on the main track and the $150,000 Edgewood (G3) at 1 1/16 miles on the grass. Both races are May 1, the same day as the Oaks. In Kentucky, horses may be entered in only one race on a given day.
“If the Eight Belles were at a mile, we would look at that,” Stevens said. “I will get with (Racing Secretary) Ben (Huffman) and see how it looks. I may enter (the Oaks can have 18 entries with four also-eligibles) and if we can’t get in look at the ($250,000, Grade 2) Black-Eyed Susan (at 1 1/8 miles on May 15 at Pimlico).”