Brandi, Chatterbox Lead Oaks Nominations

Willis Horton’s champion and TDN Rising Star Take Charge Brandi (Giant’s Causeway) and the progressive I’m A Chatterbox (Munnings) top a list of 154 sophomore fillies entered at the first closing stage for the $1-million GI Longines Kentucky Oaks to be held Friday, May 1 at Churchill Downs. 

This year’s number is a 27.3% improvement over the 121 entered during last year’s early nomination period and is the highest total since 170 3-year-old fillies were made eligible for the 2009 renewal. A record 192 entries were received in 2007. 

Take Charge Brandi launched an improbable run towards the Eclipse Award with a stunning 61-1 upset of the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and has since won three straight, including a narrow success in the Martha Washington S. Jan. 31.

I’m A Chatterbox has emerged a serious contender for the Oaks in two starts this term–an eight-length romp in the Silverbulletday S. at the Fair Grounds Jan. 17 followed by a 2 1/2-length success in the GIII Rachel Alexandra S. Feb. 21. Four of the last seven Oaks winners have come from the Fair Grounds, including Untapable (Tapit), who gave Rosie Napravnik a second Oaks score in comfortable fashion last spring.

For a full list of the nominees, click here.