Nitrogen heads field of seven in Azeri

Nitrogen, last year's champion three-year-old filly, snapped a two-race losing skid last month with an authoritative win in the Bayakoa (G3) at Oaklawn Park. Her march toward the Apple Blossom H. (G1) in April makes its next stop Saturday, when she heads a field of seven in the $400,000 Azeri (G2).

Voted champion off of a diverse campaign which included graded wins on dirt and turf, Nitrogen concluded her 2025 season with second-place finishes in the Spinster (G1) and Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1). That was enough of a class edge for bettors to back her down to 3-10 in the Bayakoa, and Nitrogen duly delivered.

The Azeri, like the Bayakoa and Apple Blossom, is contested at 1 1/16 miles. That distance should suit the speedy La Cara, who made all in the Ashland (G1) and Acorn (G1) last season. However, the daughter of Street Sense has struggled of late, finishing unplaced for a third time in a row in the Jan. 24 Houston Ladies Classic (G3).

Perfect Shot, 11-1 upset winner of that Sam Houston fixture, is entered in the Azeri, as is Majestic Oops, a multiple stakes winner over the Oaklawn strip. Regaled perhaps has more class than either of those two, having won the Delaware H. (G3) and finished third in the Breeders' Cup Distaff at 30-1. However, the deep closer might want more distance than she'll get in the Azeri.

Quietside, last year's Fantasy (G3) winner, must improve after finishing nine lengths adrift of Nitrogen in the Bayakoa. The field is rounded out by Standoutsensation, the Pippin S. winner who figures to keep La Cara company on the front end.