2022 Oklahoma Derby and Remington Park Oaks Selections

A pair of Grade 3 tilts for three-year-olds are part of a huge card at Remington Park on Sunday.

Race 9 – Remington Park Oaks (G3)

The 1 1/16-mile affair for the fillies attracted eight led by heavy morning-line choice #5 Juju’s Map (1-2). The daughter of Liam’s Map has been well beaten while finishing third in both the Mother Goose S. (G3) and Monmouth Oaks (G3) most recently, but the Grade 1 heroine looks like a class standout in this spot. Dark bay sophomore will run with blinkers off for the initial time in her career, and while she is no sure thing, it’s hard for me to find a contender that will be able to match the Brad Cox trainee in the stretch.

For the exotics, #6 Hits Pricey Legacy (6-1) was a smart two-year-old who ran the best race of her lifetime in her seasonal bow for Trout. The chestnut has won or placed in each of her six lifetime races, all coming over this strip, and I expect her to appreciate the added ground on Sunday. Oklahoma-bred filly has tactical speed and will get first run on the deeper closing types turning for home beneath regular pilot Jose Alvarez.

Race 11 – Oklahoma Derby (G3)

I have long liked the underrated #1 Steal Sunshine (6-1) and will take a shot with the Constitution colt in this well-matched field. Trained by Bobby Dibona, the Kentucky-bred rides in on a three-race win streak while in the best form of his life, and I love that the colt drew inside to save ground throughout prior to unleashing his substantial late kick. The Ellis Park Derby romper has posted a trio of useful morning drills in preparation of Sunday and will be doing his best work late with regular jock Leonel Reyes in the stirrups.

#4 Best Actor (9-5) is the one to beat and gets the nod to complete the exacta for Brad Cox, who has saddled the winner of the contest in three consecutive seasons. Flatter colt dominated in the Smarty Jones S. (G3) in his most recent, and the once-beaten sophomore has improved his Brisnet Speed number with every try to date. The $330,000 yearling purchase will have Florent Geroux in the silks.