Rigoletta was forced to miss the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies last
fall with a minor physical setback following her win in the Grade 1 Oak
Leaf, but she has resurfaced this year as a potential candidate for the
Kentucky Oaks. Her first step toward that goal will come on Saturday,
when she runs in the Grade 3, $125,000 Honeybee at Oaklawn.
The 1 1/16-mile race is for 3-year-old fillies. It serves as a prep for
the Grade 2, $300,000 Fantasy, which has produced the last two winners
of the Kentucky Oaks, Rachel Alexandra and Blind Luck.
"That would be the ultimate goal, the Fantasy to the Kentucky Oaks,"
said Dan Hendricks, who trains Rigoletta. "But first, we're going to try
to get to the Fantasy."
Rigoletta was to fly in Wednesday from Southern California. The Honeybee
will be her second start of the year, following the Grade 3 La Habra at
6 1/2 furlongs on turf at Santa Anita on Feb. 21. Rigoletta finished
fifth, five lengths back in the field of 11.
Read More