DeVaux Tests Ahavah in Fair Grounds Oaks
At 0h02, on March 21, 2025 • By Fair Grounds Racecourse
Winning at a 29% clip in her fifth season at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, trainer Cherie DeVaux has been making all the right moves with her talented barn. On Saturday, three of her four Louisiana Derby Day stakes entries will be trying something new, with the toughest tests being assigned to a new filly on the Longines Kentucky Oaks trail, Ahavah.
After overcoming the rail draw to win her debut on the Risen Star (G2) undercard, Ahavah will stretch out for her encore in the $400,000 Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), the first prep on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks to offer 200 qualifying points. The City of Light filly took to the front and was never threatened in her one run. On Saturday, she will face eight fillies, including Godolphin’s Good Cheer, who has been dominant winning all five of her lifetime starts.
“If (Ahavah) didn’t have the constitution to do it physically and mentally, we wouldn’t try it,” DeVaux said. “But she seems to have that going for her. It’s a tough ask to go two turns against that level, but she’s running out of her own stall. I don’t have to change anything with her. This will be a good guide on what to do with her going forward in her career.”
Owned by Twin Brook Stables, Glassman Racing, Belladonna Racing, Woodford Racing, B.C.W.T. Ltd. and Taylor Creek, the bay Ahavah was named for the shape of her marking between her eyes.
“The cute part is her name means ‘love’ in Hebrew and she has got a little heart on her head,” DeVaux said. “She’s super sweet. She’s straightforward.”
A half-sister to grade one winner Vahva, DeVaux said there are similarities as well as differences between the two classy and talented stablemates.
“Personality-wise, both (Ahavah) and Vahva are intense in what they’re doing,” DeVaux said. “Ahavah is a bit more relaxed in her training but knows when to push the button. Vahva has always been a little bit keen, always wanting to be on go. This filly is a little bit different in that respect, but still serious when it comes to her job.”
Drawing post 3, Ahavah will be reunited with Jose Ortiz.
