An action-packed weekend of horse racing at Churchill Downs gets underway on Friday evening, as the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks takes place. There is a talented field of horses set to compete in the race this year, but which of the talented females should claim the victory in the prestigious race?
Kentucky Oaks Schedule
- When: Friday, 30th May
- Where: Churchill Downs
- How To Watch: NBC Sports
Kentucky Oaks Odds
| Malathaat | +275 |
| Travel Column | +325 |
| Search Results | +450 |
| Crazy Beautiful | +650 |
| Clairiere | +700 |
| Millefeuille | +1400 |
| Pauline’s Pearl | +1400 |
| Pass The Champagne | +1400 |
| Will’s Secret | +2500 |
Kentucky Oaks Preview
History & Previous Winners
The Kentucky Oaks takes place the day before the Kentucky Derby, and is one of the biggest races of the season. The Grade 1 takes place on a dirt surface, and horses compete over 1 1/8 miles for their share of the $1.25 million prize fund. Shedaresthedevil won the race last year for trainer Brad Cox, and she competed the course in a record time of 1:48.28.
That time was the quickest that any horse has ever won the Kentucky Oaks over 1 1/8 in. The victory was also the second time in three renewals that Cox had trained the winner, as he also recorded a victory with Monomoy Girl in 2018. Other winners of this race since 2010 include Princess of Sylmar, Lovely Maria and Abel Tasman.
Main Contenders
The betting would suggest that there are five credible contenders for the Kentucky Oaks on Friday. Malathaat leads the way, and she looks exceptionally well positioned to continue her perfect record. She was outstanding when beating Pass The Champagne last time out at Keeneland, and she has also recorded a victory over Millefeuille previously.
Travel Column is the leading chance for Brad Cox in the race. She returned to form with a two and three-quarter length victory over Clairiere last time out. However, she had lost to the same horse in the previous run, which means that Clairiere should also not be discounted for running a big race this weekend.
Good cases can also be made for Crazy Beautiful and Search Results. The prior mentioned three-year-old has won on one from two starts this season, with that victory coming in a Grade 2 contest at Gulfstream Park last time out. She claimed victory by just over two lengths from Millefeuille. Meanwhile, Search Results has won three from three, which includes the win she achieved in the Gazelle Stakes last time out.
Kentucky Oaks Picks
In truth, we would struggle to look past the favourite for the Kentucky Oaks. Malathaat is a potential superstar, and if she shows the same quality as she did when winning the Ashland Stakes last time out, it will be hard to beat her. Those looking for some value elsewhere in the market could take a chance on Will’s Secret. The three-year-old was third in the Ashland Stakes, but did win the Honeybee Stakes earlier in the season from Pauline’s Pearl.
Free Picks
- Malathaat (To Win)
- Will’s Secret (To Place)
