Checkered Past Takes the Louisville Oaks

Original article written by The Steward posted 16 years 0 weeks ago

Watch out.... Change the Past has landed.

This stallion of unreal potential managed to score a Louisville Oaks winner in his first crop, in addition to two other stakes winners. His best bred foals are only yearlings or two year olds, so it could be many more years of Change the Past to come.

In passing last winter, the author of this article asked of Ladonna King why the classy Checkered Past had not been nominated for the Triple Crown. Confused, King replied that Checkered Past was a filly.

If Checkered Past had been a colt, I truly believe she would have had an impact on the ending of the Derby. Fortunately, they have a filly version of the race called the Louisville Oaks, and Checkered Past took that home instead, winning by a length over the speedy Desert Wind. Three for three this year and four for six lifetime, it's been many years since King was last in the spotlight. Although she won the Year 2 Derby with Battle Cry, King has been unable to find the Louisville winner's circle since, focussing mainly on turf horses. Checkered Past could put her squarely back into the game.

Now questions loom over Checkered Past's next race. The Baltimore Oaks is a logical spot, but the Baltimore Crown is calling as well.

Desert Wind has been sent to a farm to recover and consider her next move as well.

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