Imagine the thrill of a photo finish, the roar of the crowd, and the sweet taste of victory as a young horse secures its place on the coveted 'Road to the Kentucky Oaks'! That's exactly what happened at Fair Grounds Race Course in the Untapable Stakes, where Hit Parade delivered a heart-stopping performance. But here's where it gets controversial... did she really have what it takes, or was it just a lucky break? Let's dive into the details.
In a race that had everyone on the edge of their seats, Hit Parade, a two-year-old filly by Street Sense, showcased incredible grit and determination to clinch the win. The Untapable Stakes, held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, wasn't just another race; it was a crucial stepping stone for aspiring Kentucky Oaks contenders, offering a valuable 10 points towards qualification. These points are like gold dust for young horses hoping to compete in the prestigious Oaks race. Securing them early in their careers can make all the difference.
Hit Parade, a homebred owned by Gary and Mary West, had an interesting start to her racing career. Her debut was on the turf at Horseshoe Indy, where she finished a respectable third on August 28th. Recognizing her potential, her connections entered her in a maiden claiming race going two turns at Churchill Downs on September 20th. This proved to be a winning move, as she powered to a two-length victory. She then followed up with another impressive performance over the same course in a starter allowance on October 31st, further solidifying her status as a promising talent.
Going into the Untapable Stakes, Hit Parade was the 2-1 favorite, indicating the confidence bettors had in her chances. The race unfolded with Pashmina setting the early pace, leading the field into the first turn. Hit Parade, ridden by jockey Luis Saez, strategically saved ground by sticking to the rail, tucked in nicely behind the leader. This is a common tactic in horse racing, allowing the horse to conserve energy and find an opening later in the race. And this is the part most people miss... saving ground on the rail can be a double-edged sword. While it conserves energy, it can also trap a horse if an opening doesn't materialize.
As Pashmina continued to lead up the backstretch, Hit Parade patiently waited for her moment to strike. Around the far turn, the juvenile filly swung out to the three path (the third lane from the inside rail) and began to increase the pressure on the pacesetter. Simultaneously, Luv Your Neighbor, another promising filly, made her move from the rail. With a furlong (an eighth of a mile) remaining, the two fillies locked horns, engaging in a thrilling head-to-head battle for the win. In a nail-biting finish, Hit Parade surged ahead in the final stride, snatching the victory and those crucial Kentucky Oaks points by a hair's breadth – just a head!
Jockey Luis Saez was understandably delighted with Hit Parade's performance. "She broke nice and relaxed for a perfect trip," he said. "She was a little green when we went for the lead, but she quickly got going straight again and fought hard for the win." This 'greenness' he refers to simply means she's still learning and maturing as a racehorse.
Hit Parade's pedigree also adds to her allure. She's the second foal out of her dam, Wedding Band. Interestingly, Wedding Band has a yearling half-brother by Frosted and a weanling half-brother by Essential Quality. What's even more intriguing is that the weanling half-brother was still in utero (unborn) when Wedding Band was sold for $65,000 to Calumet Farm during the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. This highlights the ever-changing dynamics of the thoroughbred industry.
Adding further prestige to her lineage, Hit Parade's extended female family includes the legendary Curlin, a two-time Horse of the Year and a highly influential sire (a male horse used for breeding). This connection to Curlin suggests that Hit Parade possesses a strong genetic foundation for success on the racetrack. As for Wedding Band, she was bred to Hightail for the upcoming breeding season, meaning we might see more talented offspring from this family in the future!
Here's the official race information:
- Race: UNTAPABLE S.
- Value: $100,000
- Track: Fair Grounds
- Date: December 20, 2025
- Age: 2-year-old fillies
- Distance: 1 mile and 70 yards
- Time: 1:42.97
- Surface: Fast
Finishing Order:
- HIT PARADE: (Street Sense - Wedding Band by Candy Ride (Arg)). Owner/Breeder: Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY). Trainer: Brad H. Cox. Jockey: Luis Saez. Prize: $60,000. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-1, $147,980.
- Luv Your Neighbor: (Constitution – Disobedient by Into Mischief). Owner: Lael Stables. Breeder: Anderson Farms Ont. Inc. & 552727 Ontario LTD. (ON). Trainer: Michael Stidham. Prize: $20,000.
- Pashmina: (Constitution – Panthera Onca by Super Saver). Owner: Red White and Blue Racing LLC. Breeder: Narola, LLC (KY). Trainer: Rob Atras. Prize: $11,000.
Margins: Head, 4 1/2 lengths, 3/4 length.
Odds: 2.30, 8.80, 4.30
Also Ran: Have Faith, Actis, Miss Call, Funny Bunny.
Scratched: Hurricane Kate.
So, what do you think? Did Hit Parade truly earn her victory with skill and strategy, or was luck a significant factor? And what about Luv Your Neighbor – was she simply outmatched at the very end, or could a different riding strategy have changed the outcome? Share your thoughts and predictions for these fillies as they continue on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks in the comments below!
