This year's Kentucky Oaks, set to take place on Friday, May 2, with a post time of approximately 5:51 p.m., is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar. With a purse of $1.5 million and a field full of promising contenders, this prestigious Grade 1 stakes race promises excitement and drama. Trainer Brad Cox aims to make history by becoming only the ninth trainer to win the Oaks three or more times, while Kenny McPeek seeks to repeat his success from last year’s historic Oaks-Derby double.
Among the standout competitors is Good Cheer, an undefeated filly under the guidance of Brad Cox. Another notable contender is Take Charge Milady, trained by Kenny McPeek, who hopes to continue her impressive streak after overcoming challenges earlier this season. Additionally, Bob Baffert returns to Churchill Downs with Tenma, aiming for his fourth Oaks victory. These horses and trainers are poised to deliver thrilling performances that could redefine the legacy of this iconic race.
Brad Cox and Good Cheer: Pursuing Perfection
Under the watchful eye of Louisville native Brad Cox, Good Cheer stands out as a top contender in this year’s Kentucky Oaks. As one of just nine trainers striving to achieve three or more victories in the Oaks, Cox brings significant experience and expertise to the table. His filly, Good Cheer, has demonstrated remarkable consistency across six starts without tasting defeat. This undefeated record adds pressure but also highlights the potential greatness awaiting them at Churchill Downs.
Good Cheer’s journey includes two powerful victories at Fair Grounds, where she dominated under jockey Luis Saez. In February, she triumphed in the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes by a commanding margin of 6 1/4 lengths. Following this performance, she maintained her momentum with another decisive win in the Grade 2 Fair Grounds Oaks in March. Despite the added expectations that come with being undefeated, Cox remains confident about her abilities. He emphasizes how well she handles the track conditions, noting her exceptional breeze workouts during preparation. The combination of her flawless record and adaptability makes Good Cheer a formidable force in the upcoming race.
Kenny McPeek and Take Charge Milady: Building Momentum
Kenny McPeek enters the Kentucky Oaks with high hopes for Take Charge Milady, whose resilience and improvement throughout the season have positioned her as a strong competitor. Having already achieved a historic Oaks-Derby double last year, McPeek aims to replicate this success by guiding Take Charge Milady to victory. Although she faced setbacks earlier in the year, including a puzzling 10th-place finish in the Honeybee Stakes, McPeek identified and resolved underlying issues affecting her performance.
Take Charge Milady rebounded impressively in the Ashland Stakes, finishing just 1 1/4 lengths behind La Cara. This recovery showcases not only her talent but also her ability to overcome obstacles. Joining her in the field is Gowells Delight, another McPeek-trained filly who showed promise with second and third-place finishes in previous races. Together, these fillies represent McPeek's determination to build upon his achievements from the previous year. Should they succeed, McPeek would join an elite group of trainers who have claimed consecutive victories in the Oaks, echoing the legendary accomplishments of D. Wayne Lukas in the late 1980s.
