Rags to Riches to point for Kentucky Oaks

Leading three-year-old filly RAGS TO RICHES (A.P. Indy), an emphatic 5

1/2-length victress of the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) in her latest start, will not

take on colts in the April 7 Santa Anita Derby (G1). Instead, she will train up to

the $500,000 Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 4, according to her connections. The

classy miss was on the trail to become the first filly since Winning Colors in 1988

to earn Derby glory, but instead will be the

likely favorite in the Oaks on the prior day.

"She worked a half-mile today at Hollywood in :50 4/5," trainer Todd Pletcher said. "She

went well and we're happy with her. We thought about the Santa Anita Derby a

lot, but after discussing it with Demi O'Byrne and (co-owner) Michael Tabor, we

decided on the Oaks.

"She's a special filly but she's light on seasoning and there are a lot of

important races down the road," he added. "She could compete against the boys at some point,

but there's no reason to rush her."

A half-sister to Belmont S. (G1) hero Jazil (Seeking the Gold), Rags To

Riches has reeled off three impressive races in succession over the Santa Anita

strip, including a remarkable late-running tally in the Las Virgenes S. (G1) two

prior.

The impeccably bred chestnut boasts a career line of 4-3-0-0, $360,100.