The 22nd edition of the Sunland Park Oaks, a prestigious $250,000 points prep for the Kentucky Oaks 2025, is set to take place this Sunday. The event promises an exciting lineup of talented fillies vying for crucial qualifying points. Among them, Maysam, trained by Bob Baffert, stands out as the morning-line favorite at 9-5. This promising filly made an impressive debut just three weeks ago, winning her maiden race by six lengths. Now, she faces her first route race, a two-turn mile, with high expectations. Joining her are strong contenders like Runnin N Gunnin and Enchanting, both trained by Steve Asmussen. The race will award points to the top five finishers, making it a critical stepping stone for the Kentucky Oaks.
Maysam: A Rising Star Under Baffert's Guidance
Maysam, owned by Michael Lund Petersen, has quickly become a contender to watch. Trained by the legendary Bob Baffert, who has won this race eight times, Maysam's recent victory in a maiden race showcased her potential. Her performance earned her a respectable 74 Beyer Speed Figure. With jockey Juan Hernández aboard, Maysam will start from post 4. This race marks her first attempt at a longer distance, which could be a true test of her stamina and ability. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how she performs in this new challenge.
Maysam's journey began on January 24th when she dominated a field of five rivals in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden race at Santa Anita. Her commanding lead and decisive win have set high expectations for her future performances. The transition from a sprint to a route race is significant, and many trainers consider it a pivotal moment in a horse's development. If Maysam can maintain her form over the longer distance, it could solidify her position as one of the top contenders for the Kentucky Oaks. Baffert's expertise and track record suggest that Maysam is well-prepared for this next step.
Strong Competition from Asmussen's Fillies
Beyond Maysam, the Sunland Park Oaks features several other promising fillies. Runnin N Gunnin and Enchanting, both trained by Steve Asmussen, are among the leading contenders. Runnin N Gunnin comes into the race with a recent victory in a one-mile allowance race at Sam Houston, where she finished first by 4 1/2 lengths. Enchanting, a homebred for Winchell Thoroughbreds, broke her maiden in a competitive field of 3-year-old fillies at Remington Park. Both fillies have demonstrated their prowess in previous races, making them formidable opponents for Maysam.
Runnin N Gunnin, ridden by Alfredo Juárez from post 2, and Enchanting, with Ramón Vázquez starting from post 5, bring different strengths to the competition. Runnin N Gunnin's recent success in a longer race suggests she may have an edge in terms of endurance. Meanwhile, Enchanting's maiden win against a large field indicates her versatility and adaptability. These qualities make them serious contenders for the top spots in the race. The Sunland Park Oaks not only offers substantial prize money but also serves as a key qualifier for the Kentucky Oaks, adding extra significance to the outcome. The race is scheduled to start at 5:13 p.m. EST and will be closely watched by fans and industry experts alike.