Stablemate to Dreaming of Julia, Unlimited Budget, comes into the Oaks undefeated in four career starts. After breaking her maiden last November, she jumped up to graded stakes company and has never looked back. This daughter of 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense has wins in the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes, the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra, and the Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks. In a field of fast runners that like to get the lead, one that can sit off the lead like Unlimited Budget, may be able to take advantage.
Each of the three aforementioned fillies is a likely winner and definitely the ones to play around with in the win and place slots on your wagering ticket. To add some value to these girls, a longer price filly with good potential is a must.
Close Hatches, at 6-1, is undefeated in three starts and didn’t get to the track for the first time until Jan. 26. In three months time, trainer Bill Mott has taken this Juddmonte filly from maiden to allowance to graded stakes winner. The word around the backside is that Mott, who can’t help but show his happiness when things are going his way, has been in exemplary spirits and talking smack, saying this filly is winning the Oaks. Add this to the fact Close Hatches retains regular rider Joel Rosario, who has been on a blazing-hot win streak, and it’s hard not to include Close Hatches.