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Mrs Kipling Worth a Wager in American Oaks - 07-03-09
 July 3 - Just over two months after impressive three-year-old filly Mrs Kipling romped home first in the Senorita Stakes (Gr 3) at Hollywood Park in California, she will take to the course again on Sunday (July 5) in the $700,000 American Oaks (Gr 1), which will be run over 1 1/4 miles on turf.
Despite Sunday's outing being her first since the Senorita Stakes, her trainer Neil Drysdale seems more concerned about the distance than the layoff. 'We know she'll go a mile,' he said, 'But we'll have to see how she handles 10 furlongs.' While not the race favorite, she could pull off a victory.
Mrs Kipling will be just one of 14 top-rated runners in the American Oaks, a race renowned for attracting the most talented three-year-old fillies from across the United States and further abroad. Sunday's race will be just her third in the U.S., after completing a successful campaign in Italy last year.
Prior to winning the Senorita Stakes, Mrs Kipling finished second in the Providencia Stakes (Gr 2) at Santa Anita Park in April. Drysdale admits that while he was tempted to enter her in the Honeymoon Handicap (Gr 2) at Hollywood Park in May, he decided she wasn't ready for the 1 1/8 mile race.
'I didn't think she was at her best for the Honeymoon Handicap, plus weights were unfavorable,' said Drysdale. 'Since she has really blossomed and is training much brighter. She is also a very willing workhorse.' On Sunday the 6/1 filly will start from the outside post with jockey David Flores aboard.
According to the trainer Mrs Kipling may be ready to tackle many other leading Gr 1 events, including the Del Mar Oaks in August, the Garden City Stakes in September and the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes in October. Mrs Kipling is owned by celebrity chef, Bobby Flay.
The rest of the American Oaks field: Gozzip Girl (7-2 ), Apple Charlotte (4-1), Well Monied (9-2), Magical Affair (6-1), Rare Ransom (12-1), Acting Lady (12-1), Puttanesca (15-1), The Best Day Ever (15-1), Third Dawn (20-1), Nan Craig (20-1), Afternoon Stroll (30-1), Lexlenos (30-1), and Pretty Unusual (50-1).
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