Majestic Oops relegates Nitrogen to third in Azeri

Majestic Oops finished well behind Nitrogen and Regaled in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) last fall, but outfinished both of those rivals while recording a 9-1 upset in the $400,000 Azeri (G2) at Oaklawn Park on Saturday.

The 1 1/16-mile Azeri was contested over a sloppy track, conditions those fillies and mares had relished in the past. Nitrogen, last year's three-year-old filly champion and Breeders' Cup Distaff runner-up, was a clear favorite among bettors. Exiting a facile win in the Bayakoa (G3), she was sent off at 3-10.

Majestic Oops was also coming in off a local stakes win, though hers was in the six-furlong American Beauty S. Although a multiple stakes winner around two turns last season, Majestic Oops had finished second in the Molly Pitcher (G3), a distant third in the Ballerina (G1), and far out of the money in the Delaware H. (G3) and Breeders' Cup Distaff in her prior graded attempts.

A ground saving fourth down the backside, Majestic Oops picked up readily when asked by jockey Francisco Arrieta on the far turn. Launching a bid outside Nitrogen entering the stretch, Majestic Oops was moving best of the two down the stretch and held off a late bid from Regaled to win by three parts of a length. Nitrogen showed no punch in finishing third, 1 3/4 lengths behind Majestic Oops.

The Azeri field was rounded out by Standoutsensation, La Cara, Perfect Shot, and Quietside.

Majestic Oops covered the course in 1:43.36 and paid $20.60. Trained by Dan Ward, the six-year-old runs for the partnership of Medallion Racing, Evan Trommer, Agave Racing Stable, and Sheila Regan.

In a long career, Majestic Oops now owns a mark of 35-9-11-4. In addition to the Azeri and American Beauty, Majestic Oops also captured the Dig a Diamond S. at Oaklawn and Lady's Secret S. at Monmouth Park last season.

Bred in California, Majestic Oops is by Majestic Harbor and out of Miss Oops, by Olmodavor.