Zany returns in the Ashland Stakes with a star's aura and a standout resume

Undefeated in three starts, the daughter of American Pharoah will seek to solidify her position as the leader of the generation on the road to the Kentucky Oaks

Zany puts her undefeated record on the line in the Ashland Stakes / ADAM COGLIANESE

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special to Turf Diario)— Sometimes, a horse's prestige grows without even stepping onto the track. That is exactly what has been happening with Zany, the undefeated daughter of American Pharoah who returns to the spotlight this Friday in the Ashland Stakes (G1), a key fixture of the Keeneland spring meeting and a direct prep for the Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Representing Repole Stable and trained by Todd Pletcher, the filly arrives with an impeccable record of 3 wins in as many starts, boasting an impressive combined winning margin of 17 3/4 lengths. Her resume includes a standout victory in the Demoiselle Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct and a triumphant season debut in the Suncoast Stakes (L) at Tampa Bay Downs.

However, her reputation was further bolstered while in the barn. On March 21, Life of Joy (Gun Runner), whom she had defeated by 2 3/4 lengths in the Suncoast, dominated the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) by 3 3/4 lengths, validating that form and elevating Zany's status within the division.

For Pletcher, the challenge is familiar: he seeks his fourth Ashland win in the last 6 years, following a blueprint that has yielded great results. The immediate precedent is Nest (Curlin), who followed a similar path—Demoiselle,Suncoast, and then the Ashland—prior to her emphatic 2022 campaign.

The Ashland offers vital qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale to the top five finishers,making it a decisive encounter for divisional leadership.

Among the most dangerous rivals is Percy’s Bar, returning after a third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). The daughter of Upstart knows Keeneland well; she won there on debut and crossed the wire first in the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) before being disqualified for interference. With three Grade 1 placings, she arrives off spectacular works, including a bullet half-mile in 47.40 seconds.

"She is working extraordinarily well without us having to ask her. She arrives in great shape," said trainer Ben Colebrook, while acknowledging the challenge of returning directly in a G1.

Also drawing interest is French Friction, undefeated in 2 starts and recent 5 3/4-length winner of the Dixie Belle Stakes (L) at Oaklawn Park. The Mark Casse trainee, a daughter of City of Light, will face two turns for the first time in a key test of her stamina.

The stage is set, but all eyes are on Zany. Between her undefeated record, her dominance, and that intangible quality of the greats to keep growing even while idle, she has the opportunity at Keeneland to prove she is not just a promise. She looks ready to lead the way to glory at Churchill Downs.