Hold onto your hats, racing fans, because the GII Demoiselle Stakes just got a whole lot more exciting! Zany, the American Pharoah filly, stormed to victory on Saturday, securing 10 points on the road to the Kentucky Oaks and leaving everyone wondering if she's the next big thing. But here's where it gets controversial: can a filly with only two starts under her belt really be considered a serious contender for the Oaks? Let's dive into the details and find out.
Trainer Todd Pletcher, a Hall of Famer with a proven track record in this race, watched as Zany dominated the 104th edition of the Demoiselle at Aqueduct. This wasn’t just another win for Pletcher—it was his 10th victory in this prestigious race, adding to a list of top-flight winners like Stopcharging Maria, Malathaat, and Nest. Zany’s performance was nothing short of impressive, as she cruised to an eight-length win in just her second career start, leaving Jumping the Gun in her wake.
But this is the part most people miss: Zany’s journey started with a bang at Gulfstream Park, where she won her debut by 6 1/2 lengths. Priced as the overwhelming favorite at Aqueduct, she tracked Shilling into the first turn and up the backstretch before unleashing her power around the far turn. Her trainer, Todd Pletcher, admitted to having some pre-race jitters about stretching her out to a mile and an eighth after just one sprint. However, her impressive workouts and gallop-out convinced him she was ready for the challenge.
“It went like we hoped it would,” Pletcher said. “She trained very impressively, but you’re always concerned making one start at 6 1/2 [furlongs] and stretching out to a mile and an eighth in only her second start. Her last breeze before we shipped her was pretty impressive, so it seemed like the right thing to do.”
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Pletcher hinted that Zany might not run another mile and an eighth until the Kentucky Oaks itself. “We probably won't get an opportunity to run a mile and an eighth until the Kentucky Oaks, if we are fortunate enough to get there,” he said. “We'll ship her back in a few days to Palm Beach Downs, and we'll come up with a game plan.”
Pedigree-wise, Zany is no slouch. She’s the 33rd graded stakes winner for her sire, American Pharoah, joining an elite list that includes Japanese champion Cafe Pharoah and stateside stars like As Time Goes By. Her dam, Mo' Green, has produced four winners from five foals, and Mike Repole recently acquired her for $550,000 at the Keeneland November sale, adding another layer of intrigue to Zany’s story.
Now, here’s the big question: Can Zany follow in the footsteps of Pletcher’s previous Demoiselle winners like Malathaat and Nest, who went on to have stellar careers? Pletcher certainly hopes so. “It's been a race for us that has not only been lucky on the day, but it's produced some horses that have gone on and done very well,” he said.
So, what do you think? Is Zany the real deal, or is it too early to crown her a Kentucky Oaks favorite? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this rising star!
