Three-for-three in her young career, Kathleen O. (Upstart) looks to extend her undefeated record in Saturday's GII Gulfstream Park Oaks.
The $275,000 2021 OBS April purchase will stretch out to two turns for the first time, having come from the clouds to break her maiden by a head over seven furlongs at first asking Nov. 21 at Aqueduct. This year, she's put up back-to-back wins at Gulfstream Park, first by a commanding 8 1/2-lengths in the Cash Run S. Jan. 1 and then by two lengths in the GII Davona Dale S. Mar. 5. Each of her three starts has seen an increased Beyer Speed Figure culminating in a field-high 85 last time out. Javier Castellano, aboard for all three of her previous wins, retains the ride here for trainer Shug McGaughey.
Two gates to her inside and looking for her first stakes win after several placings is Goddess of Fire (Mineshaft). The half-sister to GISW Mind Control (Stay Thirsty) finished only a half-length behind Turnerloose (Nyquist) after leading briefly down the stretch in the 1 1/16-mile GII Rachel Alexandra S. Feb. 18 at the Fair Grounds, showing she can handle the route of ground. She was also a close second to Outfoxed (Valiant Minister) in the Gasparilla S. Jan. 15 over seven furlongs at Tampa Bay Downs. Goddess of Fire recently worked four furlongs in :49 to be the fourth fastest of 31 at the distance Mar. 26.
“I like the way she has progressed this winter,” says trainer Todd Pletcher. “Even though she hasn't won yet, she has moved forward. She has done well since the Fair Grounds race and can hopefully take another step forward.” Luis Saez stays aboard after piloting Goddess of Fire last time out.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
