HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Trainer Michael Yates sent out Dorth Vader to a fifth-place finish in the 2023 Kentucky Oaks and at the moment is planning to be back at Churchill Downs to try his luck again in the prestigious Grade 1 event for 3-year-old fillies with Fiona’s Magic. Like Dorth Vader a year ago, Fiona’s Magic qualified for the Oaks by virtue of her wire-to-wire victory in the Grade 2 Davona Dale here March 2. The performance was flattered when third-place finisher and odds-on favorite Leslie’s Rose bounced back to upset the Grade 1 Ashland in convincing fashion at Keeneland five weeks later. Fiona’s Magic is currently eighth on the points list for the Oaks. She has started once since the Davona Dale, turning in a very disappointing effort in the Gulfstream Park Oaks on March 30 when virtually eased to the finish line far behind upset winner and Oaks-bound Power Squeeze after prompting the early pace. “When we scoped her after her last race she was loaded with mucus, a 4 1/2 on a scale of 5, which explained her poor performance,” Yates said. “We immediately started her on antibiotics, gave her a week off, and since then so far so good. :: Subscribe to the DRF Post Time Email Newsletter: Get the news you need to play today's races!  “We haven’t worked her back yet, she’s been having some strong gallops, and I haven’t decided yet whether I’ll work her back once or just gallop her into the Oaks. But as of today [Wednesday] we are anticipating going.” Yates has not firmed up a rider for Fiona’s Magic in the Oaks but said his first preference would be Tyler Gaffalione “if we can get him.” Gaffalione rode Fiona’s Magic to her victory in the Davona Dale as well as a second-place finish in the Grade 3 Forward Gal earlier this winter. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.