Summer Applause on Oaks trail after Silverbulletday triumph

Harlan’s Holiday could have a filly on her way to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in the name of Summer Applause, who prevailed by a length in the $200,000 Rachel Alexandra S. (G3).  The bay filly is two-for-three this meet at the New Orleans track, with a game second in the $120,000 Silverbulletday S. sandwiched between her two victories.

Summer Applause got hung three wide around both turns in the 1 1/16-mile contest, but despite that disadvantage, Robby Albarado roused his mount to the lead near the sixteenth pole to complete the distance in a very good 1:43.30, a little more than a second off the track record.

“We are going to enjoy the moment,” said trainer Bret Calhoun. “We want to get the right spacing for her. Obviously, the ultimate goal is the Kentucky Oaks (on May 4) and we want to figure out the best way to get her there.”

“Our filly ran a great race. She’s going the right direction,” continued Calhoun. “She’s maturing mentally and physically all the time, getting good at the right time, and I think she’s developed the kind of style that will keep her going. There’s going to be more speed in these races coming up and hopefully that will serve us better down the line.”

Owned by the partnership of Gillian R. Campbell Group Management Ltd. And Greenwood Lodge Farm, Summer Applause has now earned $202,906 from a mark of 3-1-0 in five starts. Greenwood bred the filly in Kentucky from the unraced mare Summer Exhibition, a half-sister to millionaire multiple graded stakes winner Recoup the Cash.