Talented Field Expected in Martha Washington Stakes - 02-12-10

February 12 - Although Saturday's $75,000 Martha Washington Stakes for three-year-old fillies at Oaklawn Park Racecourse is considered a small race, it could yield great things like the next Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta, which is why betting fans should consider the 12-horse field with care.

Contested over a mile, the Martha Washington Stakes has attracted an interesting field this year. Included in the line up is Decelerator, who delivered an impressive win in last year's $100,000 Debutante Stakes (Gr 3) at Churchill Downs, and Shotgun Gulch, who has two stakes wins under her belt.

Tiz Miz Sue, meanwhile, finished second to She Be Wild in last year's $150,000 Arlington-Washington Lassie Stakes (Gr 3) at Arlington, while Florida-bred filly Funny Feeling could ensure that winning feeling, Cosmo Girl could tear up the course with her speed and Eve Giselle who is undefeated.

There are plenty of runners in this race that could make it to the winner's circle, but punters will likely favor Decelerator, who is trained by D. Wayne Lukas. In her debut this season, she narrowly lost out to Shotgun Gulch by a nose over six furlongs, but is expected to be in top form come tomorrow.

Said Lukas, 'I don't think she knew she got beat. It was awful tight. I think she will probably benefit from that race and I'm hoping that she'll move forward.' The trainer also seems confident that Decelerator is returning to a two-turn race. She'll start from the rail with jockey Terry Thompson aboard.

For Funny Feeling, however, the Martha Washington Stakes will mark her two-turn debut. But her trainer, Mike Maker, does not seem all that concerned. 'I don't think it will be an issue. She's got class, as she showed in her maiden win. Hopefully, she stretches out and takes it to the next level.'

Here is the complete field for the $75,000 Martha Washington Stakes (Gr 3) at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, February 13, 2010:

1. Decelerator (KY)
2. No Such Word (KY)
3. Eve Giselle (FL)
4. Laura Babe (KY)
5. Cosmo Girl (KY)
6. Shotgun Gulch (OK)
7. Vertical Vision (OK)
8. Tiz Miz Sue (KY)
9. Funny Feeling (KY)
10. Bell's Shoes (KY)
11. Wild Oration (MD)
12. Bella Diamante (KY)