Afternoon With the Regal Rosalind

Last Tuesday afternoon (April 15), I had the privilege of going to Keeneland and visiting Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) hopeful Rosalind at trainer Kenny McPeek's barn.

The reason for the visit was to do a video interview with McPeek that will be posted in the next few days on Bloodhorse.com, but while I was there, I was also able to spend a few moments with Rosalind. She was accommodating while I petted her nose, but seemed a lot more interested in the camera. Rosalind has striking features and was very stoic and professional, but also kind. Apparently she can get feisty while being led to the gate for races, but that attitude wasn't present while I was around her. She seemed curious and sweet, nickering for mints when McPeek came near.  

Me and Rosalind; Photos by Scott Tracy

This filly recently turned heads when she posted a gutsy dead heat victory with fellow Oaks contender Room Service in Keeneland's Ashland Stakes (gr. I) on April 5. Rosalind, who is owned by Ray Struder's Landaluce Educe Stables, currently ranks sixth on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard with 78 points.

She holds a record of 2-1-3 from seven starts, including a second in the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I) and thirds in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) and Pocahontas Stakes (gr. II) at 2.

McPeek confirmed last week that Rosalind will be pointed to the June 6 Investec Epsom Oaks (Eng-I) following the Kentucky Oaks. Wouldn't that be an awesome double? Click here to read a recent Keeneland Files blog I wrote about Rosalind and Room Service.

Before McPeek rushed back to the grandstand to meet a client, he took one last look at Rosalind standing outside his shedrow. "Isn't she regal?" he asked. I had to agree.