Apple Blossom H.

The Apple Blossom is the premiere race for older females on dirt early in the year. Run at Oaklawn going 1 1/16 miles on the dirt, the Apple Blossom was first run in 1958 before becoming an annual race in 1968.

The race was run as a six furlong sprint in 1963 and from 1968 to 1974 but during the majority of its time has been run at eight and a half furlongs. Horse of the Year Azeri is the winningest horse in the race with three wins (2002-2004) with jockey Mike Smith winning six editions of the race and trainer Bill Mott winning four. Other equine winners of the race include Bayakoa, Gorgeous, Paseana, Heavenly Prize, Escena, Zenyatta (twice), Havre de Grace, Plum Pretty, Close Hatches and Untapable.