Exotics Plays for the 2024 Virginia Oaks

A massive cast of 13 sophomore fillies will go postward in the $250,000 Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs on Saturday. The nine-furlong turf test looks especially wide open, and it appears to be a great time to take a swing at some exotics wagers that could yield lucrative payouts. 

Virginia Oaks Exotics

• $3 exacta box 1,7,13 ($18)
• 50-cent trifecta 1,7,13 with 1,6,7,8,13 with 1,6,7,8,13 ($18)
• 10-cent superfecta 1,7,13 with 1,7,13 with 1,6,7,8,13 with all ($18)

#13 Belle of Rights (8-1) was assigned the daunting outside post in the event, but I still like the progression that she has shown in advance of her graded debut. By Constitution, the Emory Hamilton homebred has finished first or second in each of her four tries to date, led by a nice second in the deep Christiana S. at Delaware in her most recent showing. She possesses enough early speed to avoid a horrific trip beneath Forest Boyce. 

#7 Deep Satin (5-1) owns just a maiden win from three lifetime tries, but the American Pharoah filly has a lot of ability and will be a factor in this endeavor. Trained by Cherie DeVaux, the bay ran well in both of her first two races when second on each occasion, and she put it together at Saratoga last out when dominating a decent field while forwardly placed throughout. Mychel Sanchez inherits the ride atop the win threat. 

Christophe Clement’s #1 Style Points (8-1) is the third contender in the field who can win the race. The Oscar Performance filly has finished in the money in each of her trio of stakes races leading up to this one, and the rail draw could be a valuable thing in order to save ground throughout. Manny Franco will get her into the race approaching the turn for home, and if she runs her best, then Style Points would not be a surprise. 

For the lower rungs of my vertical plays, stakes winner #6 Awesome Czech (10-1) has been a solid performer over the past two seasons and will surely be in range for a placing with something resembling her top effort. The Mendelssohn filly has a versatile running style and excellent turf pilot Jevian Toledo in the stirrups. 

#8 Brocknardini (30-1), who checked in second to Awesome Czech at Saratoga last time out, could peak in her third appearance of the season for trainer George Weaver. The 2023 Selima S. heroine will have Joe Rocco Jr. in the irons.