Two Daredevil fillies finished first and second in today’s Kentucky Oaks – but whereas most people were betting on Swiss Skydiver, it was her less her known half-sister, Shedaresthedevil, who finished in front. Both of the Daredevil progeny finished ahead of the favorite, Gamine, who had trouble with the distance.
While Shedaresthedevil ran a great — and game — race, the only question is whether Swiss Skydiver’s jockey, Tyler Gaffalione, made a significant error when he failed to get his filly through a gap near the rail left by Johnny Velazquez on Gamine. Swiss Skydiver then had to check the filly, and come three wide around Gamine and Shedaresthedevil to make her run down the homestretch. She showed a lot of heart to finish so strongly.
Florent Geroux rode a perfect race on Shedaresthedevil, stalking Gamine through the opening half mile and then positioning his mount for a clear run at the favorite. Shedaresthedevil won by 1 1/2 lengths and set a new track record of 1:48.28. Swiss Skydiver finished second, Gamine third and Speech fourth.
Are you ready for the Derby tomorrow? I just hope it’s as good a race as this one.