Delaware Oaks

A field of eight is set to line up on Saturday in the $500,000 Delaware Oaks

(G2), and the 1 1/16-mile test features HYSTERICALADY (Distorted Humor) and ADIEU

(El Corredor). Both fillies are capable of taking this one, but we're going with

the former to earn her second straight graded score in hopes she might offer

more value than her rival.

Hystericalady stretched out for the first time in her career when taking the

Hollywood Breeders' Cup Oaks (G2) last out. Prior to that, the Jerry

Hollendorfer charge spent her time running against sprinters, and holding her

own in the process. She captured the Juan Gonzalez Memorial S. in just her

second career start, and earned a field-best 106 BRIS Speed rating when taking

her last one by  7 1/2 lengths. Hystericalady worked a bullet six furlongs

at her home base of Bay Meadows to prepare for this one and could easily add to

her resume with Patrick Valenzuela aboard.

DIAMOND SPIRIT (Holy Bull) doesn't own quite the same speed as our top pick

and Adieu, but the Allen Jerkens-trained gray has been going well of late,

running second in the Sands Point S. (G3) and Herecomesthebride S. (G3) as well

as third in the Go for Wand S. She tried the turf again last out, finishing

fifth by just three parts of a length in an allowance while earning a 108 BRIS

Late Pace figure. Diamond Spirit could add some value to the exotics if she can

bring her nice late kick into this one under Jean-Luc Samyn.

Adieu has competed, and won, against nothing but top-level competition since

breaking her maiden last April at Keeneland, including wins in the Frizette S.

(G1) and Spinaway S. (G2). She returned two back in the La Trioenne S. (G3),

rallying for second, but could do no better than a one-paced fourth in the Acorn

S. (G1) last out. The Todd Pletcher-trained bay miss may not be able to last if

she gets caught up in speed duel with Hystericalady on the front end, but still

deserves respect off her past form. John Velazquez has the call.

AMANDATUDE (Aptitude) has done well since switching to stakes company. The

Tim Ritchey-trained local took the Polly's Jet S. three back before running second

in the Go for Wand S. by a head and third in the Susan's Girl Breeders' Cup S.,

all over the track. The bay lass is taking a major step up here against our top

two, but she owns the speed and has the advantage of competing at her home base

to boost her chances. Amandatude could surprise here for the win under Jeremy

Rose.

GASIA (Silver Deputy) shipped in to take the Susan's Girl Breeders' Cup last

out, leading nearly all the way. The Larry Jones charge won't get away with such

an easy lead here but could still hang around at the end to grab part. LAST

ROMANCE (Wild Rush) ran third in the Acorn last out at 15-1 and could add some

value to the top three in this spot as well. Consider for the exotics.

MIA'S REFLECTION (Halo's Image) has won her last two by easy lengths and

is yet another exotics threat. PEAK MARIA'S WAY (Pyramid Peak) looks out of her class in this

spot.