Robe Decolette among American Oaks candidates
Robe Decolette, the Kentucky-bred winner of the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), will join Schweppes Australasian Oaks (Aus-G1) winner Anamato in a unique field for the $750,000 American Oaks Invitational Stakes Presented by American Airlines (G1) on July 7 at Hollywood Park.
A gray or roan Cozzene filly, Robe Decollette is scheduled to clear quarantine on Wednesday. She won the Yushun Himba by a nose on May 20 at Tokyo racecourse in her most recent start for owner Koji Maeda, who raced 2002 Peter Pan Stakes (G2) winner Sunday Break (Jpn) in the United States.
Hollywood Racing Secretary Martin Panza also included Derrinstown Stud One Thousand Guineas Trial (Ire-G3) winner Alexander Tango, Prix Vanteaux (Fr-G3) winner Just Little, and Premio Regina Elena Emirates Airline (Ity-G3) (Italian One Thousand Guineas) winner Lokaloka among eight foreign invitations for the American Oaks.
Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) winner Panty Raid and Honeymoon Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G2) winner Valbenny (Ire) lead the list of American-based candidates.
Appalachian Stakes winner Audacious Chloe, Sands Point Stakes (G3) winner Rutherienne, and Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) winner Baroness Thatcher also are invited.