This Friday, the highly anticipated ninth race at Oaklawn Park will feature millionaire and multiple stakes victor Skelly as he strives to secure his ninth consecutive victory. This six-furlong $131,000 allowance race is open to older horses. Skelly, a 6-year-old gelding known for his impressive speed, is making his first appearance since finishing in tenth place in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint held on November 2 at Del Mar. Trained by Hall of Fame coach Steve Asmussen and owned by Texas-based Chris Hicks of Red Lane Thoroughbreds, Skelly boasts an unbroken streak of eight victories at Oaklawn, all achieved over the same distance. Regular jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. will be guiding Skelly, who starts as the 3-5 favorite from the rail.
Despite challenges posed by harsh winter weather, which delayed his return to action, Asmussen remains optimistic about Skelly's performance. The horse underwent training sessions beginning February 13 at Fair Grounds, breezing six times before moving to Oaklawn for further preparation. Known for his stamina and competitive edge, Skelly has become a key player in Oaklawn's racing scene, having won significant events such as the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3) for two consecutive years. No other horse has managed three successive wins in this event.
In addition to his achievements in the Count Fleet, Skelly claimed triumphs in Oaklawn’s Lake Hamilton Stakes during both 2023 and 2024, along with the King Cotton Stakes in 2024. His record also includes three allowance victories, solidifying his status as one of the most successful horses at Oaklawn under Asmussen's guidance. With an impressive 984 career victories at Oaklawn, Asmussen views Skelly as one of his top performers. Overall, Skelly holds a commendable record of 19 starts with 10 wins, seven places, and no shows, accumulating earnings exceeding $1.7 million.
Beyond Skelly's remarkable history, the upcoming race presents a pivotal moment for both the horse and his team. Fans eagerly await this high-stakes showdown scheduled for probable post time at 5:38 p.m. EDT on Friday. Whether Skelly can extend his winning streak or if another contender rises to challenge him remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this race promises excitement and suspense.