The first Friday in May at Churchill Downs will be in focus on the first Friday in April at Keeneland as the opening-day Central Bank Ashland Stakes at the Lexington track will add some clarity to the Longines Kentucky Oaks outlook. The Ashland offers 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points, with the winner guaranteed of a spot in the field of 14 for the Oaks, giving the seven starters a final chance to earn a spot in the race.

1. Nycon (20-1 morning-line odds): Was second in the Busher Stakes at Aqueduct and should like the added distance here. Getting a rail trip adds to her appeal.

JOCKEY: Jaime Torres; TRAINER: Whit Beckman

2. Percy’s Bar (7-2): Was disqualified and placed second in the Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades Stakes here last year. Also won her career debut at Keeneland, so she loves the track. Could be a tough spot to make her first start in five months.

JOCKEY: Luan Machado; TRAINER: Ben Colebrook

3. Zany (4-5): Has been nothing but impressive in her three starts and three wins. Only has 30 Oaks points and could use at least 25 more, so she will be primed for a big effort.

 JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher

4. French Friction (9-2): Has won both of her starts decisively but has yet to race beyond six furlongs. Has plenty of speed, though, and could have a big say on the outcome.

JOCKEY: Cristian Torres; TRAINER: Mark Casse

5. Omaha Bay (12-1): Tired to finish fourth in the one-mile Davona Dale Stakes Presented by Inglis Digital USA in her second career start. Could move forward off that try.

JOCKEY: Javier Castellano; TRAINER: Ian Wilkes

6. Hollybygolly (20-1): A bit of a mystery as she has yet to race on dirt. Showed dramatic improvement when moved from turf to the all-weather track and could be a threat if she transfers that form to dirt.

JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Rodolphe Brisset

7. Star Actress (6-1): Will get a big screen test here in her stakes debut after collecting her first win in a race held at this distance in her second career start.

JOCKEY: Junior Alvarado; TRAINER: William Mott

THE PICK: Zany

LIVE LONGSHOT: Nycon

SUPERFECTA: 3-4-1-2