Photo by Hoofprints, Inc.

In March, it was the Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs. Today, FONDLY added another Oaks title –  $300,000 Delaware Oaks-G3 – to her already impressive resume. After a slight hiccup at the start, the Upstart filly was flawless, leading at every call under Irad Ortiz, Jr.

“Draw a line through it,” wrote Sean Collins in The BloodHorse. “That turned out to be the simple explanation for Fondly ‘s 11th-place finish on a sloppy track in the May 2 Kentucky Oaks (G1) as she bounced back as good as new in the $300,000 Delaware Oaks (G3) at Delaware Park June 14.”

Controlling the slow pace, Irad and Fondly “lulled the competition to sleep” before pulling away effortlessly at the eighth pole to win the 74th running of the 1 1/16th mile contest for 3-year-old fillies by three lengths. Today’s start, her fourth, beefed up her stats to 4-3-0-0 with $339,200 earned. The Delaware Oaks was her second graded stakes win and her second winner’s circle garland. What can we say…..ladies love flowers.

Produced from the Istan mare Lifetime Memory, Fondly was bred in Kentucky by the late Brereton C. Jones. Huge cheers to owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Madaket Stables, LLC on a brilliant win and a bright future!

Photo by Michelle Hurley

Fondly Wins 74th Delaware Oaks