Oaks-bound Meaning breezes ahead of Louisville trip
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Meaning continued her steady progression toward the Kentucky Oaks (G1), turning in a sharp final breeze at Santa Anita before shipping east for her highly anticipated start on May 1 at Churchill Downs.
The 3-year-old daughter of Gun Runner is scheduled to arrive in Louisville on April 21 for trainer Michael McCarthy, where she will complete her preparations locally over the final 10 days leading into the Oaks.
Worked on April 17 under jockey Juan Hernandez—who made the trip back from Keeneland for the move—Meaning showed plenty of energy from the outset. Keen and aggressive early, she settled just off her stablemate before readily moving past her workmate with authority.
From there, she continued on strongly through the wire and into the gallop-out, opening up on the backstretch while appearing to do so well within herself—an encouraging sign following her recent victory in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2).
The move served as her final breeze in California, with one more work planned at Churchill Downs approximately six to seven days out from the Oaks, weather permitting.
By design, the Kentucky Oaks will mark Meaning’s third start of the year, and her current condition suggests there may still be more to come. With her energy levels high and preparation unfolding as planned, the progressive filly appears poised to take another step forward on racing’s biggest stage.