Nitrogen aims to rebound in Apple Blossom

Nitrogen proved not so invulnerable as an odds-on choice in last month's Azeri (G2), but that likely won't deter bettors from making her a solid favorite again in the $1.25 million Apple Blossom H. (G1) at Oaklawn Park on Saturday.

Last year's champion three-year-old filly drew post 1 in Oaklawn's 1 1/16-mile signature event for fillies and mares. Indeed, the Apple Blossom looks very much like the March 7 Azeri in that the top three finishers are all set to face each other again.

Nitrogen surprisingly came up short in the Azeri, which was contested in sloppy conditions she had thrived in previously. Nitrogen never led at any point and weakened to third, 1 3/4 lengths adrift of Majestic Oops, with Regaled splitting the two. It was Nitrogen's first finish out of the first two since her juvenile season as well as her third loss in her last four outings.

The forecast is for dry conditions on Saturday, which might help Nitrogen make amends. In addition to her Azeri conquerors, the Apple Blossom has several other potential contenders.

Invading from Florida are Claret Beret, five-length winner of the Royal Delta (G3) last time, and Five G, last year's Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) winner and Honeybee (G3) runner-up in her lone prior run over the Oaklawn strip. Blue Fire has competed primarily in Louisiana-bred company, but did finish in the Eight Belles (G2) in her last try versus open company.

Nerazurri chased Nitrogen in the Bayakoa (G3) two back, her only setback at Oaklawn this winter. Om N Joy won a minor Grade 3 at Del Mar last summer, while Dazzling Move appears off form at the moment.

The mainstays of the local sprint division will once again clash in the $500,000 Count Fleet Sprint H. (G3) over six furlongs. Roll On Big Joe, Tejano Twist, and Booth appear the main players, while Gallant Bob (G2) winner Mad House is sure to bring extra heat through the opening furlongs.