Oak Floats: Mischief Filly Shines in Saturday's Suncoast Stakes 150k @TAM

Race 9: Dirt, 1 Mile 40yrds, Suncoast Stakes, 150k, 3F

The Kentucky Oaks Trail is always overlooked. Along the way, solid contests like this one at Tampa will help us narrow the picks for the starting gate in May. A bunch of sophomore fillies are assembling on the TAM MT for this salty little contest. Nominating a single is like trying to find your ball at Carnoustie. We might be looking for some time, but I think I have a solution and a stern opinion. The best course of action is to not to get too technical, and stick to tried and true methods. My choice is Mike Campbell’s Feeling Mischief #2. Getting an Into Mischief filly and Jesus Castanon seems like a great combination. I doubt this runner will be 9/2 at post time, but I am hoping so. She has good breaking ability but can also lay 2-3 off for a run down the lane. The extra distance will suit and give the opportunity to roll up in the end.

I want to add one other entry into the mix, and it comes from Eddie Kenneally’s outfit. Honorique #5 has a nice pedigree coming out of Honor Code, and she made the jump up into “Non-Graded” company last time at Gulfstream in a 75k minor stakes. That speaks to her ability, and I fully expect her to be a player. Johnny V rolls into town trying to score a share of the purse money, and we know what he is capable of. This whole race shakes me to my bones because I am leaving out the Gasparilla 125k winner, Special Princess #10, and the presumptive favorite, Gulf Coast #7. Gotta stick to your guns, as my Gran'Pappy said… Oh, I found my ball.

Wager: $100 Win #2, $2 Exacta Wheel, 2/5 w 2/5/7/10