Kentucky Derby Prep Races: Bayakoa Stakes

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Kentucky Derby Prep Races Odds and News

Bayakoa Stakes 2025: Loved Looks to Build on Graded Stakes Success

The $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park on February 8 features a competitive field of six fillies and mares set to battle over 1 1/16 miles. The race could have implications for Kentucky Derby betting as the top older female runners continue establishing themselves early in the season.

While this race is not one of the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, bettors will keep an eye on the results to assess form and trends that might impact future wagers. With horses stretching out in distance and seeking graded stakes success, Kentucky Derby odds could shift based on performance trends coming out of Oaklawn.

Trainer Brendan Walsh will send out Loved, a 6-year-old mare who finally broke through at the graded stakes level in her last start, capturing the Falls City Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs on November 28. 

The Medaglia d’Oro mare, owned by Godolphin, showed her versatility in that race, rallying from midpack to storm past the field by 3 ¾ lengths. As a half-sister to two-time Grade 1 winner Maxfield, she brings a strong pedigree to the race and will look to extend her form against a competitive group.

Corningstone Eyes First Graded Victory

Corningstone, trained by Kenneth McPeek, has consistently performed throughout her career. The 5-year-old mare by Kantharos has been a fixture in top-level races, earning $756,318 for owners Payson Stud and RTA Trust. 

She has finished in the top three in 10 of her last 11 starts and enters the Bayakoa Stakes off two straight stakes victories at Oaklawn. She will likely be one of the primary pace factors in the race, alongside Wild Bout Hilary.

Wild Bout Hilary, trained by Tanner Tracy, is another front-running contender who could set the early fractions. The 4-year-old Kentucky-bred filly will have jockey C.J. McMahon aboard as she looks to take a step forward at the graded stakes level. She enters as a 10-1 shot on the morning line, making her an intriguing longshot for bettors.

Free Like a Girl Seeks Elusive Graded Win

Another well-established mare in the field is Free Like a Girl, a 6-year-old trained by Chasey Deville Pomier. She has an impressive 19 stakes wins and has twice placed at the Grade 1 level, but a graded stakes victory has eluded her so far.

She most recently finished fourth in the Houston Ladies Classic (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park on January 25, and she’ll be returning on just two weeks of rest. With Ricardo Santana Jr. in the irons, she has a strong chance to be in contention in the stretch.

Other Contenders in the Bayakoa

Little Jamie, trained by Robert Medina, is another horse looking to step up in class. The 4-year-old daughter of Nyquist has shown flashes of talent but will need to improve to challenge the top contenders in this field. She enters at 4-1 on the morning line with Ramon Vazquez aboard.

Bow Draw, at 20-1 odds, is the longshot of the race. The Henry West Jr.-trained mare will need a significant jump in form to contend with this level of competition. She will likely sit off the early pace and hope for a late closing effort.