story by Chris Lomon / Woodbine
photos by Michael Burns
This story originally appeared here.
Luster, under John Velazquez, was an emphatic winner of the 71st edition of the $750,000 Woodbine Oaks Presented by Stella Artois on Sunday (July 19) at Woodbine.
Kinzie Girl set the early pace in the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-old fillies foaled in Canada, followed by Bold Time, 3-5 choice Luster, Dixie Law, Piper’s Gift, Red Guitar and Katie’s Grace through an opening quarter in :23.54.
Through a tepid half in :48.07, Kinzie Girl continued to lead and was 1 ½ lengths ahead of an easy-striding Luster, who was waiting for her cue. That moment came just before the three-quarter mark in 1:12.70, when a near-motionless Velazquez gave his charge the green light and she responded in kind, seizing command heading for home.
With 200 yards remaining, Velazquez took a quick glance over his shoulder to see if anyone was coming and no doubt liked what he saw.
On top by 3 ½ lengths at Robert Geller’s stretch call, Luster powered away from her six rivals with ease on the way to a 5 ½-length win in 1:50.99. Dixie Law was second, 1 ¾ lengths ahead of Bold Time. Katie’s Grace was fourth.
Jockey John Velazquez after winning the Woodbine Oaks with Luster.
It was the second straight Oaks triumph for Velazquez, who won with No Time last year. It was the fourth Oaks crown for Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame trainer Josie Carroll.
“It was pretty simple, really,” said Velazquez. “We had a good position on the outside. I let the horses come to her and let her do her thing. She made it look very easy. She’s really sure what she’s doing.”
Carroll, who won the 2011 Oaks with eventual Queen’s Plate winner Inglorious, the 2020 running with Curlin’s Voyage and the 2024 renewal with Kin’s Concerto, had lofty praise for Luster.
“Tremendously exciting horse,” said Carroll, who also trains Bold Time. “I had some questions until today, but she certainly she certainly looks like she’ll get her route of ground. She seems to be moving forward all the time.”
Luster, jockey John Velazquez, and trainer Josie Carroll after winning the Woodbine Oaks on July 19.
Owned by Gainesway Stable and Andrew Rosen, Luster is now 4-0-1 from five starts.
The daughter of Knicks Go, bred in Ontario by Ravi Sugrim and Joannie Dass, was purchased for $80,000 at the 2024 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
Luster, who came into the Oaks off a win in the Selene Stakes (G3) on June 27, paid $3.40 for her latest win.
The Woodbine Oaks has served as a stepping stone to the King’s Plate (Aug. 15). Fillies to capture both races include Moira (2022), Holy Helena (2017), Lexie Lou (2014), Inglorious (2011) and Dancethruthedawn (2001). In 2018, Oaks runner-up Wonder Gadot went on to win the Plate, as did Caitlinhergrtness in 2024.
