Azeri Stakes Stout Test for Ce Ce
Nine runners Contest the $350,000 Feature
The Azeri Stakes runs Saturday at Oaklawn and it’s a red-hot field.
Headlining the Apple Blossom preparation race is champion Ce Ce, who will earn her keep with the likes of Shedaresthedevil and Pauline’s Pearl entered.
Betting online markets have Shedaresthedevil as the current favorite in what should be one of the more competitive 1 1/16-mile races on the calendar.
Ce Ce’s Class to Shine Through
The best Thoroughbred in the race is Ce Ce and her record backs that up.
The 6-year-old mare has never finished worse than fourth throughout her career, which includes wins in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint and the 2020 Apple Blossom Handicap.
She is looking to get back to the Apple Blossom, but that doesn’t mean that she won’t be at top fitness for the Azeri Stakes.
Trainer Michael McCarthy has had trouble finding tracks she likes, but Oaklawn Park is the obvious choice.
“She’s training very well for the Azeri,” McCarthy told Bloodhorse. “Her work the other day (:59.80 March 5) was very good. I like where we are.
“We’ve had a hard time finding a racetrack she likes, but Oaklawn has proven to be one and the timing makes sense. This time of year in California there are not many one-turn opportunities for her.
“So, we started thinking about going back to Oaklawn to see if we could make it back to the Apple Blossom and use the Azeri as a barometer to see where she’s at.”
Horse racing odds have Ce Ce at 3-1, which is a fair price and she has fitness on her side following a second placing in the Santa Monica last start.
Pick: Ce Ce
Bounce Back for Favorite
Shedaresthedevil is the current favorite to win the Azeri Stakes and bettors should expect a bounce-back performance.
The daughter of Daredevil didn’t run up to expectations in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff when finishing sixth behind Marche Lorraine, but her form prior was excellent.
She won the Clement L. Hirsch before winning the Locust Grove at Churchill Downs, so the form checks out and that’s why she is well-favored at the sportsbook.
Except for her latest effort, she hasn’t finished worse than fourth. She has nine wins on her record and she’s the defending champion after beating Letruska last year.
Trainer Brad Cox is pleased with her progression ahead of her first 2022 start.
“She’s really doing well,” Cox said. “She looks amazing and her works have been great. I’m excited to get her 2022 campaign started.”
She’s the biggest danger to Ce Ce and we wouldn’t be surprised if her odds shortened on race day.
Pauline’s Pearl is a Gem
Pauline’s Pearl is seeking her third consecutive victory after winning the Houston Ladies Classic last start.
Trained by Steven Asmussen, the 4-year-old has been around the mark in big races and she’s good enough to win the Azeri Stakes.
Her worst career run came in the Grade I Kentucky Oaks when running eighth behind Malathaat, but she rebounded with three placings and two wins.
The daughter of Tapit hasn’t been missed in horse racing lines. She is on the third line of betting at 7-2 and we wouldn’t be leaving her out of selections as an each-way fancy.
