Jones hopes to celebrate in Kentucky Oaks
May 3, 2012LOUISVILLE, KY. (AP) - Trainer Larry Jones had little time to celebrate the last time he won the Kentucky Oaks with Proud Spell in 2008. One day later, Eight Belles, his other top filly, broke down and was euthanized after the Kentucky Derby.
Jones' focus this week is on Believe You Can in Friday's $1 million Kentucky Oaks after he pulled Mark Valeski out of contention for the Derby. He's hoping for success he can finally savor for a while four years after the tragedy.
Grace Hall is the early 5-2 favorite and most recently rolled to a 6 1/2 length victory in the Gulfstream Park Oaks. The co-second choices are On Fire Baby and Broadway's Alibi at 4-1 in a race expected to have a quick pace. Post time is 5:45 p.m. EDT.