LOUISVILLE, Ky.— The Road To The Kentucky Derby kicked off on Saturday at Churchill Downs and so did The Road To The Kentucky Oaks, with the 54th running of the Grade 3, $300,000 Pocahontas.
Lucky Seven Stable’s two-year-old filly Fun and Feisty came up victorious.
Brushed between rivals soon after the start, the Kenny McPeek trainee took back and settled well off the pace, eleventh of twelve as the field entered the clubhouse turn. Favorite Grand Love led the way throughout, unchallenged until six furlongs from home, when 13/1 shot Friendlypersuasion ranged up alongside to confront her.
Eight lengths behind the action up front, Fun and Feisty launched a feisty rally in the four path around the far turn. Making up ground with every stride as the field headed down the stretch, she easily got past the embattled duo of Grand Love and Friendlypersuasion, drawing away to win by three and a half lengths. Under Julien Leparoux, she stopped the clock in 1:45.86.
Shoplifter closed up the rail to grab second. Grand Love held on for show. Following them came Boss Lady Bailey, Friendlypersuasion, Jet Setting, Southlawn, Outofnothingatall, Need Some Money, Kiss Me On Oconee, Justa Warrior, and Naughty Gal.
The top three finishers paid 14.46, 14.02, and 2.94, respectively.
Fun and Feisty’s triumph in the Pocahontas was her second win in a row, having broken her maiden at third asking in her previous start. Now with 10 qualifying points towards the 2023 Kentucky Oaks, Fun And Feisty is a perfect two-for-two at Churchill Downs.
Kenny McPeek spotted the daughter of Midshipman at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Select Yearling Sale and took her home for $100,000.
By Amber Joyce, Contributing Editor
Photo: Fun and Feisty rolls in the Grade 3 Pocahontas (Coady Photography)
