West Point Thoroughbreds’ and Tom Keithley’s Flashy Gray is the morning line favorite in Saturday’s $150,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park. The Honeybee is worth 50 points to the winner on the new Kentucky Oaks qualifying system.
Trained by Bill Mott, Flashy Gray romped in a seven-furlong allowance race on February 10 at Gulfstream Park, earning a 95 Beyer Speed Figure. The impressive performance put her on the Kentucky Oaks radar and she closed as the 6-1 favorite in the March 3 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager.
West Point Thoroughbreds’ and Tom Keithley’s Flashy Gray is the morning line favorite in Saturday’s $150,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park. The Honeybee is worth 50 points to the winner on the new Kentucky Oaks qualifying system.
Trained by Bill Mott, Flashy Gray romped in a seven-furlong allowance race on February 10 at Gulfstream Park, earning a 95 Beyer Speed Figure. The impressive performance put her on the Kentucky Oaks radar and she closed as the 6-1 favorite in the March 3 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager.
Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith has the call. Last time Smith was seen at Oaklawn in 2012, he won the Arkansas Derby aboard Bodemeister. He won the Honeybee aboard Joyful Victory in 2011.
“We think this filly will handle the two turns,” says WPT president Terry Finley. “She rated perfectly for Joel Rosario in her last start and had plenty left late. Mike Smith has certainly ridden a talented filly or two in his day, and we’re thrilled to have him aboard Flashy Gray. Several Partners are headed to Hot Springs with their families this weekend. We’re excited.”
“My wife Debbie has always said the one race she’s wanted to win is the Oaks,” continued Finley. “Her birthday is March 9, so it will be extra special if Flashy Gray gets the job done and continues on the Oaks trail.”
Post time for the Honeybee (race 7) is 4:09 CT/5:09 ET on Saturday. Flashy Gray breaks from post eight in the nine horse field.
