Blind Luck was a victim of racing tactics in Sunday's Grade 2 Hollywood Oaks, when she could only finish second to Switch.
On the backstretch, Blind Luck had her customary position at the back of the field, but Camille C set pokey fractions of 25.30 and 50.11 seconds, leaving Blind Luck with too much to do in the stretch. Switch had first jump, and won by 1 1-4 lengths over Blind Luck, the 1-2 favorite.
It was not the first time this has happened this year. Back in March, Blind Luck could only finish third as the 1-2 favorite in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks, closing from last to finish a half-length behind Crisp, who is trained by John Sadler. Switch is also trained by Sadler.
Blind Luck rebounded for her loss in the Santa Anita Oaks to win the Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park and the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. For her next start, the pace scenario will be the most important aspect of analysis for handicappers. The filly's ability cannot be doubted.
