Joyful Victory leads talented Kentucky Oaks field
May 5, 2011LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Trainer Larry Jones is back at Churchill Downs, hoping to win the $1 million Kentucky Oaks on Friday with filly Joyful Victory.
Jones won the filly version of the Kentucky Derby three years ago with Proud Spell. The victory, however was overshadowed the next day when filly Eight Belles had to be put down moments after breaking both of her front legs just after finishing second in the Derby.
Jones retired at the end of 2009 but says his wife Cindy got tired of him sitting on the sofa. He says Joyful Victory reminds him of Eight Belles, from her gray coat to her ease on the dirt under the twin spires.
Joyful Victory will start from the rail as the 5-2 favorite in the 13-horse field.