Quietside, a top 2-year-old filly, is set to start her 3-year-old season in the $300,000 Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park on January 25. This race, a key qualifier for the prestigious Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, marks the beginning of Quietside’s journey on the Oaks trail. Let’s dive into her story, performance, and what lies ahead.
Quietside’s Impressive Track Record
Quietside, owned and bred by Arkansas-based Shortleaf Stable and trained by John Ortiz, ended her 2-year-old season on a strong note. In her last race, the Golden Rod Stakes (G2) on November 30 at Churchill Downs, she finished second, just 2 ½ lengths behind Good Cheer, an undefeated filly from trainer Brad Cox’s barn. Despite the loss, Quietside showed her determination, pulling away from the third-place finisher by six lengths.
Her earlier performances include:
- Aug. 4 Debut Win at Saratoga: A commanding victory by 6 ¼ lengths.
- Runner-up in Spinaway Stakes (G1): Facing division leader Immersive on August 31.
- Third in Alcibiades Stakes (G1): Her two-turn debut at Keeneland on October 4.
Why Martha Washington Stakes Matters
The Martha Washington Stakes isn’t just another race. It’s the first of three Kentucky Oaks prep races held at Oaklawn. The stakes have a record-breaking $300,000 purse this year, up from $250,000, and award qualifying points to the top five finishers (20-10-6-4-2). These points are crucial for earning a spot in the Kentucky Oaks.
Quietside already has 8 points from her strong finishes in the Alcibiades and Golden Rod. A win here would give her a major boost on the road to the Oaks.
Trainer and Team Optimistic About Quietside
Trainer John Ortiz is excited about Quietside’s growth. “She came out of her last race in great shape. She’s looking tighter, fitter, and is developing beautifully into her 3-year-old body,” he said.
John Gasper, racing manager for Shortleaf Stable, echoed this confidence. “She always gives it her all. In the Golden Rod, she earned a career-best Equibase Speed Figure of 86. That tells us she’s ready for the next step.”
What’s Next on the Oaks Trail?
After the Martha Washington, Oaklawn’s Oaks prep series continues with:
- Honeybee Stakes (G3) – February 22, $500,000 purse.
- Fantasy Stakes (G2) – March 29, $750,000 purse.
Both races are also 1 1/16 miles and offer more Kentucky Oaks points. Quietside will likely target these races as part of her journey toward the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks on May 3.
Quietside’s return is eagerly awaited by racing fans. Her past performances against top-tier competition like Immersive and Good Cheer show she’s a serious contender. With her resilience, strong connections, and growing experience, Quietside is poised to make waves on the Oaks trail.
Oaklawn Park, known for its competitive racing and rising stars, provides the perfect stage for Quietside to shine. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to horse racing, keep an eye on this talented filly. The Martha Washington Stakes could be her stepping stone to greatness.
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