Project Whiskey joins Kentucky Oaks trail with Delaware Oaks upset

Jul 04, 2020 by James Scully/TwinSpires.com

Project Whiskey stretched out to two turns with a 38-1 upset in Saturday’s $300,000 Delaware Oaks (G3). Unplaced in her last two starts at sprint distances, the Butch Reid-trained winner posted a half-length decision and received 20 points toward a berth in the Sept. 4 Kentucky Oaks in the qualifying race.

Frankie Pennington rode Project Whiskey, the longest shot among eight 3-year-old fillies, and the dark bay daughter of Tapiture closely stalked the pace in third before making her bid on the far turn. Project Whiskey struck the front in upper stretch and gamely turned back runner-up Dream Marie before gaining the upper hand late.

Owned by Cash Is King and LC Racing, Project Whiskey completed the 1 1/16-mile distance in 1:44.04 over the fast Delaware Park track.

A total of 34 points (20-8-4-2 scale) were awarded as part of the Road to the Kentucky Oaks series. Dream Marie, who was off at 9-1, wound up 1 1/4 lengths better than third-placer Princess Cadey. Next came 9-5 favorite and pacesetter Piece of My Heart, Hopeful Growth, Comical, Queen Bridget, and Long Point Beach.

Bred in Maryland by Dark Hollow Farms, Project Whiskey captured the Parx Juvenile Fillies S. last November before going off form in her next two outings. She turned things around while making her two-turn debut on Saturday and has now earned $262,580 from a 7-3-0-2 record.