Not a lot of talk about the "other big race" this week and there's probably good reason for it. I find the race very confusing and am anxiously awaiting the seminar to help clear things up.

From my limited knowledge of sheet reading- Bellafina looks like the one most likely to win the race- with the big 2 year old top, exceeding the top, getting the bounce out of the way, and returning to the top. But, I assume there are reasons to bet against her as the favorite- that Breeders' Cup debacle last fall and the bo/bi that accompanies her figs.

With that said, nothing sticks out behind her. Restless Rider looked like a filly that was ready to move forward, but she draws the 14 hole. After that, this field looks about as average as any Oaks field ever assembled.

Why is Baffert running Flor de la Mar? Is she getting ready to make an Arrogate-like move forward on Friday? Champagne Anyone is supposedly working well, but she's on the slow side.

Chocolate Kisses intrigues me a bit as it looks like there's no way to avoid a fast pace with Motion Emotion winging it early and Serengeti Empress in hot pursuit from the 13 hole. 'Kisses' ran a nice fig at Oaklawn and then bounced hard, but has had several weeks since the big OP number. Her lineage is stellar, gets pace setup, and it wouldn't be that much of a stretch to see her squeeze out a new top by 1 point or so with the right trip. Speaking of trips- everybody craps on Leparoux, but he knows how to time the finish line.

Help?