• HOME
• BLOG
• NEWS
• RACE TRACKS
• JOCKEYS
• HORSES
• HANDICAPPING
• CONTACT US
• SITE INFO
  • About Us
  • Site Credits

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- The last three months of Cozi Rosie's career have been geared toward Saturday's $250,000 American Oaks on the turf at Hollywood Park.

She was a troubled seventh in the Grade 2 Providencia Stakes at Santa Anita in April, rebounded to win the Grade 3 Senorita Stakes on May 2, and was a fast-closing second, beaten a head, in the Grade 2 Honeymoon Handicap on the final day of May.

Those results make Cozi Rosie the favorite in the Grade 1 American Oaks.

"Everything looks up for her," trainer John Sadler said. "She almost won the other day, and I hope she can get one right now."

The American Oaks is the eighth race on a 10-race program that includes the $150,000 Royal Heroine Stakes.

Cozi Rosie, owned by breeders Jerry and Ann Moss, has won 3 of 8 starts and $157,280. Her last three starts, beginning with the Providencia Stakes, are her only turf races. Sadler says the 1 1/4-mile distance of the American Oaks is a positive for Cozi Rosie.

"She's got a great stride," he said. "She's a big, long filly, and we always thought she could run on turf."

The American Oaks has drawn eight fillies, all locally based. Besides Cozi Rosie, there are two other stakes winners in the field - Antares World and City to City. The other starters are Andina, who was second in the Providencia and Senorita, and four fillies seeking their first success in a stakes -- Conniption, Harmonious, Riviera Chic, and Weekend Magic.

City to City won the Providencia and was third in the Honeymoon, beaten a length by Evening Jewel, after chasing a slow pace.

"They went ridiculously slow," said Dan Ward, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer's assistant. "When you come from off of it, it doesn't help."

Harmonious and Riviera Chic were first and third in an allowance race over 1 1/8 miles here last month.

Harmonious is unbeaten in two starts on turf, including a one-mile maiden race in May, and is making her stakes debut. "I think she'll handle the distance all right," said John Shirreffs, who trains Harmonious. "What has she had, three races? This is an ambitious spot."

Riviera Chic was supplemented to the American Oaks for $5,000 last weekend. "How many opportunities do you get for a mile and a quarter, which she wants to do," said Jamie Lloyd, who trains Riviera Chic. "Maybe she'll surprise us."

Comments (0)