Hot Pace Possible in Delaware Oaks

While last year's GIII Delaware Oaks was won by front-running 54-1 shot Calamity Kate (Yes It's True), it will likely be much harder for anyone in Saturday's renewal to go box to wire. Expected favorite Kinsley Kisses (Congrats) is one of several who sports some early zip. The chestnut was an easy maiden winner at Gulfstream in January, and thrashed overmatched rivals in a Tampa optional claimer Mar. 13. she pressed her way to a third-place run in Keeneland's GIII Adena Springs Beaumont S. Apr. 17, and dueled on the stretch-out before again settling for the bottom rung of the trifecta in Pimlico's GII Black-Eyed Susan S. May 20. Among those who figure to join Kinsley Kisses in front is the stretching-out Eighth Wonder (Pioneerof the Nile). The Gryphon Investments homebred won her three races last term by a combined 22 lengths, and reemerged to cross the wire second in her first route try in the Parx Oaks May 7. She was subsequently awarded first purse money when Miss Inclusive (Include) was DQ'd. Eighth Wonder cut back for the 6 1/2-panel Jostle S. back in Bensalem June 4, and ran away to a five-length success. Dark Nile (Pioneerofthenile) could prove pretty tough in the late stages. She earned her diploma second out going sprint-to-route at Tampa on Valentine's Day, and added a Penn National allowance for state-breds May 12. She rallied to run down New York invader Browse (Medaglia d'Oro) and also best Dreams to Reality (Lookin At Lucky) and Miss Inclusive in the Our Mims S. here June 8.