Lovely Maria returns in Delaware Oaks

Last seen capturing the Kentucky Oaks (G1), Lovely Maria (Majesticperfection)

returns to action in Saturday's $300,000

Delaware Oaks (G3) at 1 1/16 miles. Kerwin Clark rides the Larry Jones-trained filly.

The bay lass has won two straight in convincing fashion,

rolling by 3 1/4 lengths in the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland two back, and earned a

field-best 101 BRIS Speed rating for her 2 3/4-length decision at Churchill Downs

last time.

Lovely Maria is prepping for her main summer engagement,

the $600,000 Alabama (G1) at Saratoga on August 22, and was installed as the

even-money morning line favorite.

Her main challengers in the eight-horse field include White

Clover (Exchange Rate), winner of the June 3 Our Mims at Delaware Park; juvenile

Grade 1 vixen Peace and War (War Front), runner-up in the Our Mims; stakes

winner Danzatrice (Dunkirk); and Hip Hop N Jazz (Speightstown), who makes her

stakes debut for Tom Proctor after opening her racing career with a pair of easy

wins.

The $200,000

Robert G. Dick Memorial (G3), a 1 3/8-mile

turf affair for fillies and mares, takes place one race prior to the Delaware

Oaks.