The 2024 Jockey Club Oaks Invitational
A full field of eleven is set to go a mile and three eighths on the grass at Aqueduct opening Saturday of what they lie to call Belmont at The Big A. In reality it is Aqueduct but if we come up with the winner it doesn’t matter.
Egyptian Candy steps up considerably also going second off a lay-off. She’d be a major surprise and upset in here.
Miss Roberts is another that appears to be in deep waters. She might like this distance, but she would have to improve quite a bit to win this or be competitive.
Caldwell Luvs Gold has one race on the grass, and it was not that good. Another pass for me.
Beautiful Love is interesting. Her European form was good, and she has the right connections. Her one race here at Saratoga was nothing to write home about but it came against better, and she has faced better in Dubai competitively. I think she is the one to beat.
Justdeny handles this trip and is in good form. She has won over the course and looks like she should get a nice trip. This daughter of Justify is a contender.
Mont Saint Michael should be close up early with Carmouche up and that can be dangerous especially on the grass in New York. This filly is bred to get the trip and appears to have plenty of room to get better.
Lady Mary has nice form in Germany and can run this far. If that form holds up here, she can be a player.
Lady Madonna is getting better but would have to step up again to win this.
Mixologist can run a little. She is lightly raced and comes from a sharp barn. She can make her share of noise in here.
Macanga looks like the speed and might be loose but even considering that dangerous aspect of the race I do not think she is good enough to take these all the way.
Americandreamer is another who looks over her head and would be a big surprise.
For me it comes down to a choice between Beautiful Love, Mont Saint Micchael and Mixologist. I will land on Beautiful Love. I believe she will go forward in the second US start and also stretching out.
