Value plays in the Delaware Oaks for July 3

A field of nine sophomore fillies will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Delaware Park main surface in Saturday’s $300,000 Delaware Oaks (G3). The Ken McPeek-trained #7 Crazy Beautiful was last seen rolling home a fine winner of the Summertime Oaks (G2) at Santa Anita and is surely the one to beat. But, the classy miss is using this race as a prep for bigger events in the summer, and her one-run closing style could leave her vulnerable, as well. I will try to upend the favorite.

Conditioner John Servis has the two in the field that I think have the best chance for the upset, including #6 Leader of the Band. By Bandbox, the Keystone State-bred sophomore ran her best race to date when dominating allowance foes at Parx over seven panels in her latest endeavor. And while this is a big class hike, I believe that the improving lass will be up to the task.

The bay has very good gate presence, and she gives the impression of a filly who will thrive going long in her route debut, too. Homebred draws inside of the morning-line choice and will get the jump on her turning for home under Frankie Pennington.

#3 Midnight Obsession, also from the Servis shedrow, is 2-for-3 with a stakes second from a trio of career showings, all on "off" ovals. Overanalyze filly was very sharp when defeating allowance company two back, and the bay three-year-old would not be a surprise in this spot with a move in the right direction beneath Joe Bravo. I will use her on top to a small degree.

Crazy Beautiful is an obvious talent who will be difficult to deny for a top-three placing. Daughter of Liam’s Map has flashed considerable ability since her juvenile debut, and anything like her best will see her in the hunt through the stretch. Mike Smith will be atop the logical exotics inclusion.

Delaware Oaks Wagers

• $20 exacta: 6 with 7 ($20)
• $1 trifecta: 6 with 3,7 with all ($14)
• $1 trifecta: 6 with all with 3,7 ($14)
• $.50-cent superfecta: 3 with 6,7 with 6,7 all ($6)