Eleven entered in California Oaks

by Brisnet.com | Brisnet Editorial | 02/24/2013 #

Marks Mine (Vassar Photography)

Though not graded and only worth $50,000, Saturday's California Oaks at Golden Gate Fields will award the winner of the 1 1/16-mile contest with 10 points toward the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks starting gate.

Eleven sophomore fillies have thrown their hats in the ring, led by the Lloyd Mason trainee Lucky Moment (Marino Marini). The dark bay lass is currently riding a three-race win streak and has already beaten others in this field.

One whom she hasn't been able to beat is Marks Mine (Benchmark), a Steven Specht pupil who captured the Golden Gate Debutante going six furlongs in December and most recently was third in the fillies division of the California Breeders Champion at Santa Anita.

Also entered is Isadaisybelle (Heatseeker), who broke her maiden in an off-the-turf, maiden claiming contest before taking a starter allowance on the grass at Golden Gate for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer

Another with a shot is Butterfly Soul (Henny Hughes), who posted a three-length victory in the Phil D. Shepherd last September at Fairplex Park and most recently rallied for fourth against the boys in the California Derby.

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