Fantasy Stakes

Last updated
Fantasy Stakes
Grade II race
Location Oaklawn Park Race Track
Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States
Inaugurated1973
Race type ThoroughbredFlat racing
Website www.oaklawn.com
Race information
Distance1+116 miles
SurfaceDirt
Trackleft-handed
QualificationThree-year-old fillies
Weight121 lbs. with allowances
PurseUS$750,000 (since 2024)

The Fantasy Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old fillies at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt run annually usually in early April at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event currently offers a purse of $750,000.

Contents

History

The inaugural running of the event was on 6 April 1973 and was won by Robert E. Lehmann's Knitted Gloves coming from behind by 1+12 lengths in a time of 1:4235. [1]

After three runnings the event was upgraded to Grade II status in 1976 [2] and in 1978 was once again upgraded to a Grade I, signifying that the race was a major event for the three-year-old fillies. [3] Between 1978 and 1989 the event held this classification and in that time some impressive winners include Davona Dale in 1979 who captured the U.S. Filly Triple Crown becoming the U.S. Champion three-year-old filly, the 1980 winner and US Hall of Fame inductee Bold 'n Determined. The 1980 US Champion two-year-old filly Heavenly Cause won this event in her sophomore season. Other champions to win this event were Tiffany Lass, the 1986 U.S. Champion three-year-old filly and the 1987 winner Very Subtle who later that year would win the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Hollywood Park Racetrack.

In 1990, the event was downgraded to Grade II status [3] and held this status until the 2012 running and the next year it was reclassified as Grade III [3]

The 2008 winner Eight Belles won the event as a short 1/2 odds-on favorite in a four-horse field. [4] Later that spring Eight Belles would be tragically euthanized after finishing second in the 2008 Kentucky Derby.

Two winners of this event have gone on to defeat their male counterparts in Triple Crown events. Rachel Alexandra, the winner in 2009 by the stakes record of 8+34 lengths went on to win the Preakness Stakes. She would later be crowned the US Horse of the Year. Also Swiss Skydiver, the 2020 winner would go on and win the Preakness Stakes defeating the Kentucky Derby winner Authentic.

The event is a prep race to the Triple Tiara of Thoroughbred Racing, including the Kentucky Oaks, Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and Mother Goose Stakes.

In 2024 the event was upgraded by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association back to Grade II. [5]

Records

Speed record:

Margins:

Most wins by a jockey:

Most wins by a trainer:

Most wins by an owner:

Winners

YearWinnerJockeyTrainerOwnerDistanceTimePurseGradeRef
2024 Thorpedo Anna Brian Hernandez Jr. Kenneth G. McPeek Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks & Magdalena Racing1+116 miles1:44.24$750,000II [6]
2023Wet Paint Flavien Prat Brad H. Cox Godolphin 1+116 miles1:44.08$600,000III [7]
2022Yuugiri Florent Geroux Rodolphe BrissetSekie Yoshihara & Tsunebumi Yoshihara1+116 miles1:43.65$600,000III [8]
2021Pauline's Pearl Ricardo Santana Jr. Steven M. Asmussen Stonestreet Stables 1+116 miles1:43.64$600,000III [9]
2020 Swiss Skydiver Brian Hernandez Jr. Kenneth G. McPeek Peter Callahan1+116 miles1:42.00$400,000III [10]
2019Lady Apple Ricardo Santana Jr. Steven M. Asmussen Phoenix Thoroughbred III & Katierich Stables1+116 miles1:43.88$500,000III [11]
2018Sassy Sienna Gary L. Stevens Brad H. Cox Medallion Racing & Jerry McClanahan1+116 miles1:45.63$400,000III [12]
2017Ever So Clever Luis Contreras Steven M. Asmussen Clearview Stable1+116 miles1:43.40$400,000III [13]
2016Terra Promessa Ricardo Santana Jr. Steven M. Asmussen Stonestreet Stables 1+116 miles1:45.06$400,000III [14]
2015Include Betty Rosemary Homeister Jr. Thomas F. Proctor Brereton C. Jones & Timothy Thornton1+116 miles1:44.16$400,000III [15]
2014Sugar Shock Channing Hill Doug L. AndersonOn Cloud Nine1+116 miles1:43.87$400,000III [16]
2013Rose to Gold Calvin H. Borel Sal SantoroKathleen Amaya & Raffaele Centofanti1+116 miles1:45.80$400,000III [17]
2012Mamma Kimbo Mike E. Smith Bob Baffert Peachtree Stable1+116 miles1:43.64$300,000II [18]
2011 Joyful Victory Mike E. Smith J. Larry Jones Fox Hill Farms1+116 miles1:44.74$285,000II [19]
2010 Blind Luck Rafael Bejarano Jerry Hollendorfer Mark Dedomenico, John Carver, Peter Abruzzo & Jerry Hollendorfer 1+116 miles1:42.56$285,000II [20]
2009 Rachel Alexandra Calvin H. Borel Hal R. WigginsL & M Partners1+116 miles1:43.35$245,000II [21]
2008 Eight Belles Ramon A. Dominguez J. Larry Jones Fox Hill Farms1+116 miles1:43.06$237,500II [4]
2007High HeelsJoe M. JohnsonGary G. HartlageAnita A. Ebert1+116 miles1:44.43$250,000II [22]
2006Ready to Please Stewart Elliott Todd A. Pletcher James T. Scatuorchio1+116 miles1:45.63$250,000II [23]
2005 Round Pond Stewart Elliott John C. Servis Fox Hill Farms1+116 miles1:43.49$250,000II [24]
2004House of Fortune Alex O. Solis Ron McAnally Arnold Zetcher1+116 miles1:42.62$200,000II [25]
2003Ruby's Reception Terry J. Thompson J. Larry Jones Oasis Racing Stable1+116 miles1:44.61$200,000II [26]
2002See How She Runs Donald R. Pettinger Donnie K. Von Hemel Pin Oak Stable1+116 miles1:43.80$200,000II [27]
2001Mystic Lady Eibar Coa Mark A. Hennig R. Lee Lewis1+116 miles1:43.52$200,000II [28]
2000Classy CaraIgnacio Puglisi Doug F. O'Neill John J. Zamora1+116 miles1:43.95$200,000II [29]
1999Excellent Meeting Kent J. Desormeaux Bob Baffert Golden Eagle Farm 1+116 miles1:42.73$250,000II [30]
1998Silent EskimoCarlos GonzalezBobby C. Barnett John A. Franks 1+116 miles1:43.84$250,000II [31]
1997Blushing K. D.Lonnie MecheSam B. David Jr.James & Sue Burns1+116 miles1:42.61$250,000II [32]
1996 Escena Pat Day William I. Mott Allen E. Paulson 1+116 miles1:43.93$250,000II [33]
1995Cat's Cradle Chris Antley David E. Hofmans Ridder Thoroughbred Stable 1+116 miles1:44.29$250,000II [34]
1994Two AltazanoKirk Paul LeBlancMichael StidhamHarold Goodman1+116 miles1:43.64$250,000II [35]
1993 Aztec Hill Mike E. Smith Thomas K. Bohannan Loblolly Stable 1+116 miles1:44.33$250,000II [36]
1992Race the Wild Wind Chris McCarron Ron McAnally Marianne & Brandon Chase1+116 miles1:43.74$250,000II [37]
1991 Lite Light Corey Nakatani Jerry Hollendorfer Oaktown Stable 1+116 miles1:41.93$250,000II [38]
1990SilveredDonald Lee HowardDewey Smith Arthur B. Hancock III & Roy L. Bowen1+116 miles1:44.20$250,000II [39]
1989Fantastic Look Chris McCarron Gary F. Jones Mr. & Mrs. John C. Mabee 1+116 miles1:43.20$250,000I [40]
1988Jeanne Jones Bill Shoemaker Charles E. Whittingham Mr. & Mrs. John C. Mabee 1+116 miles1:42.20$250,000I [41]
1987Very Subtle Chris McCarron Melvin F. Stute Ben Rochelle & Estate of Carl Grinstead1+116 miles1:42.40$271,300I [42]
1986Tiffany Lass Gary L. Stevens Laz Barrera Aaron U. Jones1+116 miles1:42.00$274,400I [43]
1985Rascal Lass Ray Sibille Lin WheelerVista Stable1+116 miles1:43.20$282,700I [44]
1984My Darling One Chris McCarron Laz Barrera Dolly Green 1+116 miles1:41.20$267,400I [45]
1983Brindy BrindyKenneth Jones Jack Van Berg Jane M. Martin1+116 miles1:44.60$283,300I [46]
1982Flying Partner Ray Sibille Charles E. Whittingham Buckland Farm 1+116 miles1:47.00$271,700I [47]
1981 Heavenly Cause Laffit Pincay Jr. Woodford C. Stephens Ryehill Farm1+116 miles1:43.80$223,150I [48]
1980 Bold 'n Determined Eddie Delahoussaye Neil D. Drysdale Saron Stable 1+116 miles1:45.20$169,900I [49]
1979 Davona Dale Jorge Velasquez John M. Veitch Calumet Farm 1+116 miles1:44.40$169,350I [50]
1978EquanimityHank E. MorenoHenry MorenoPine Tree Stable1+116 miles1:44.60$129,750I [51]
1977 Our Mims Don Brumfield John M. Veitch Calumet Farm 1+116 miles1:45.00$139,850II [52]
1976T. V. VixenBernie WaltPeter W. Salmen Jr.Crimson King Farm1+116 miles1:43.40$121,950II [53]
1975HosoMickey SolomoneFrank H. Merrill Jr.Roxie Gian1+116 miles1:46.00$118,250 [54]
1974Miss Musket Bill Shoemaker Charles E. Whittingham Aaron U. Jones1+116 miles1:44.40$122,900 [55]
1973Knitted GlovesJulio C. EspinozaIke MourarRobert E. Lehmann1+116 miles1:42.60$61,600 [1]

Notes:
† In the 1987 running, Up The Apalachee, was first past the post but was disqualified and placed second. Very Subtle was declared the winner.

See also

Related Research Articles

The Ruffian Stakes is a Grade II American thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares ages four-years-old and older run over a distance of one mile on a dirt track scheduled annually in early May at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.

The Apple Blossom Handicap is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares that are four years old or older, run under handicap conditions over a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt track held annually in April at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The 2024 running carried a purse of $1,250,000.

The Shuvee Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares that are four years old or older over a distance of  1+18 miles on the dirt track scheduled annually in August at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. The event currently carries a purse of $200,000.

The Risen Star Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses at a distance of one and one-eighth miles on the dirt run annually in February, usually during the President's Day weekend at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event currently offers a purse of $400,000.

The Fair Grounds Oaks is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old fillies at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt run annually in March, usually on Louisiana Derby day at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event currently offers a purse of $400,000.

The Rebel Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses: one and one-sixteenth miles run on dirt each March at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas. As of 2024, it offers a purse of $1,250,000. It is the second leg of Oaklawn's three-year-old stakes program, run after the Southwest Stakes and before the Arkansas Derby; it is also part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

The Southwest Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt run annually in late January at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event currently offers a purse of $800,000.

The Spiral Stakes is a Grade III American thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds at a distance of a one and one-eighth miles on the synthetic track in late March at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky. The event currently offers a purse of $700,000.

The Sorrento Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for two-year-old fillies over a distance of six furlongs on the dirt track scheduled annually in August at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The event currently carries a purse of $150,000.

The Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes is a Grade I American Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race for three years old and older over a distance of 1+12 miles on the turf track scheduled annually in late September or early October at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The event currently offers a purse of $500,000.

The Lecomte Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses at a distance of one and one-sixteenths miles on the dirt run annually in mid-January, at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event currently offers a purse of $200,000.

The Razorback Handicap is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for four-year-olds and older at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt run annually in February at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event currently offers a purse of $600,000.

The Rachel Alexandra Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old fillies at a distance of one and one sixteenth miles on the dirt run annually in February at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event currently offers a purse of $300,000.

The Azeri Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares that are four years old or older, over a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt track held annually in March at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event currently carries a purse of $400,000.

The Bewitch Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares four-year-olds and older over a distance of 1+12 miles on the turf held annually in April at Keeneland Race Course, Lexington, Kentucky during the spring meeting. The event currently offers a purse of $300,000.

The Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares aged three-years-old and older over a distance of six furlongs on the dirt held annually in early October at Keeneland Race Course, Lexington, Kentucky during the fall meeting.

The Essex Handicap is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for four-year-olds and older at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt run annually in March at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event currently offers a purse of $600,000.

The Athenia Stakes is a Listed American Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares age three-years-old and older run over at a distance of a mile and an eighth on the turf held annually in October at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The event offers a purse of US150,000.

The Honeybee Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old fillies at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the dirt run annually in late February or early March at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event currently offers a purse of $400,000.

The Whitmore Stakes is a Grade III American Thoroughbred horse race for four-year-olds and older at a distance of six furlongs on the dirt run annually in March at Oaklawn Park Race Track in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event currently offers a purse of $250,000.

References

  1. 1 2 "Knitted Gloves wins at Oaklawn – (race 9: held 6 April 1973)". Hope Star . The Associated Press. 7 April 1973. p. 48. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  2. "FANTASY STAKES - OAKLAWN PARK, AR". Thoroughbred Database. 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 "Fantasy Stakes (Gr. 3)". www.equibase.com. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  4. 1 2 "2008 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 6 April 2008. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  5. "TOBA Announces U.S. Graded and Listed Stakes for 2024". Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. 16 December 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
  6. "2024 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  7. "2023 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  8. "2022 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 10)". Equibase. 2 April 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  9. "2021 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 11)". Equibase. 3 April 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  10. "2020 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 1 May 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  11. "2019 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 1 May 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  12. "2018 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  13. "2017 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 14 April 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  14. "2016 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 9 April 2016. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  15. "2015 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 4 April 2015. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  16. "2014 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 9)". Equibase. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  17. "2013 Fantasy Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 10 April 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  18. "2012 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 11 April 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  19. "2011 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 10 April 2011. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  20. "2010 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 2 April 2010. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  21. "2009 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 5 April 2009. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  22. "2007 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 6 April 2007. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  23. "2006 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 14 April 2006. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  24. "2005 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 15 April 2005. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  25. "2004 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 9 April 2004. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  26. "2003 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 11 April 2003. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  27. "2002 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 12 April 2002. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  28. "2001 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 13 April 2001. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  29. "2000 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. 14 April 2000. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  30. "1999 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 2 April 1999. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  31. "1998 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 5 April 1998. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  32. "1997 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 6 April 1997. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  33. "1996 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 5 April 1996. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  34. "1995 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 14 April 1995. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  35. "1994 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 7)". Equibase. 17 April 1994. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  36. "1993 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 9 April 1993. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  37. "1992 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 12 April 1992. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  38. "1991 Fantasy Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 14 April 1991. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  39. "Silvered stuns Fantasy field; Hail Atlantis 7th – (race 9: held 20 April 1990)". Lexington Herald-Leader . The Associated Press. 21 April 1990. p. 60. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  40. "Fantastic Look overhauls Imaginary Lady in Fantasy – (race 9: held 21 April 1989)". Lexington Herald-Leader . The Associated Press. 22 April 1989. p. 62. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  41. "Shoemaker rides Jeanne Jones to Fantasy win – (race 9: held 22 April 1988)". The Courier-Journal . The Associated Press. 23 April 1988. p. 23. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  42. "Very Subtle's Fantasy comes true (on disqualification) – (race 9: held 11 April 1987)". The Courier-Journal . The Associated Press. 12 April 1987. p. 18. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  43. "Unbeaten Tiffany Lass wins Fantasy – (race 9: held 12 April 1986)". The Courier-Journal . The Associated Press. 13 April 1986. p. 25. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  44. "Rascal Lass victorious; ... – (race 9: held 13 April 1985)". The Courier-Journal . The Associated Press. 14 April 1985. p. 58. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  45. "My Darling One wins Fantasy – (race 9: held 14 April 1984)". Shreveport Times . The Associated Press. 15 April 1984. p. 54. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  46. "Brindy Brindy wins Fantasy at Oaklawn – (race 9: held 9 April 1983)". Shreveport Times . The Associated Press. 10 April 1983. p. 54. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  47. "Flying Partner wins Fantasy at Oaklawn – (race 9: held 3 April 1982)". Shreveport Times . The Associated Press. 4 April 1982. p. 54. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  48. "Heavenly Cause Rallies in Stretch To Win Oaklawn's Fantasy Stakes – (race 9: held 4 April 1981)". Lexington Herald-Leader . The Associated Press. 5 April 1981. p. 34. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  49. "Bold 'n Determined Wins Fantasy Stakes – (race 9: held 5 April 1980)". The Courier-Journal . The Associated Press. 6 April 1980. p. 45. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  50. "Calumet Farm's Davona Dale Rallies to Wins Fantasy Stakes – (race 9: held 7 April 1979)". Lexington Herald-Leader . The Associated Press. 8 April 1979. p. 34. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  51. "Moreno Rides Equanimity to Fantasy Stakes Victory – (race 9: held 25 March 1978)". Lexington Herald-Leader . The Associated Press. 26 March 1978. p. 34. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  52. "Our Mims is Fantasy Best Victory – (race 9: held 26 March 1977)". Shreveport Times . The Associated Press. 27 March 1977. p. 58. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  53. "Its T. V. Vixen Again; Salmen filly beats Answer in $121,950 Fantasy – (race 9: held 27 March 1976)". Shreveport Times . The Associated Press. 28 March 1976. p. 58. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  54. "Huso has little trouble with mud in Fantasy Stakes – (race 9: held 29 March 1975)". The Courier-Journal . The Associated Press. 30 March 1975. p. 36. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  55. "'Shoe' gets 100th 'biggie' on Miss Musket – (race 9: held 30 March 1974)". The Courier-Journal . The Associated Press. 31 March 1974. p. 48. Retrieved 23 March 2021.