The Grade I Longines Kentucky Oaks, one of the most prestigious races for 3-year-old fillies, is set to take place on May 2, 2025, at Churchill Downs. This 1 1/8-mile dirt race offers a $1.5 million purse and serves as a showcase for the best young fillies in the sport.
1. Early On
- Jockey: Edgard Zayas
- Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
- Owner: C2 Racing Stable, LLC, Ken T. Reimer, Paul Braverman, Timothy Pinch, and Bradley D. Kent
- Breeder: John Lauriello
- Pedigree: By Union Rags out of Equineline Reports.
- Odds: 30-1
- Analysis: Early On has shown flashes of potential but faces a tough field. Her pedigree suggests stamina, and she could surprise with a strong trip.
2. Simply Joking
- Jockey: Florent Geroux
- Trainer: Whit Beckman
- Owner: Grantley Acres, Ryan Conner, Berkels0813, and CMNWLTH
- Breeder: Barlar, LLC
- Pedigree: By Practical Joke out of Imply.
- Odds: 10-1
- Analysis: Simply Joking has been improving with each start and enters off a strong second-place finish in the Fantasy Stakes (G2). Her tactical speed makes her a serious contender.
3. Fondly
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Trainer: Graham Motion
- Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Madaket Stables, LLC
- Breeder: Brereton C. Jones
- Pedigree: By Upstart out of Lifetime Memory.
- Odds: 30-1
- Analysis: Fondly is a longshot but has a pedigree that suggests she could handle the distance. She’ll need to step up to compete with the top contenders.
4. Drexel Hill
- Jockey: Ben Curtis
- Trainer: Whit Beckman
- Owner: Legion Racing
- Breeder: Tuscany Bloodstock
- Pedigree: By Bolt d’Oro out of Ascot Walk.
- Odds: 30-1
- Analysis: Drexel Hill has shown promise in her recent starts but faces a tough field. Her connections are optimistic about her chances to hit the board.
5. Quickick
- Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
- Trainer: Thomas Amoss
- Owner: Greenwell Thoroughbreds, LLC
- Breeder: Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD & Whisper Hill Farm LLC
- Pedigree: By McKinzie out of Graeme Six.
- Odds: 30-1
- Analysis: Quickick is a lightly raced filly with potential. Her pedigree suggests speed, and she could surprise with the right trip.
6. Ballerina d’Oro
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Trainer: Chad C. Brown
- Owner: Rodeo Creek Racing, LLC
- Breeder: Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, LLC
- Pedigree: By Medaglia d’Oro out of In the Moonlight.
- Odds: 10-1
- Analysis: Ballerina d’Oro is a consistent performer with multiple stakes wins. Her pedigree and recent form make her a strong contender.
7. La Cara
- Jockey: Dylan Davis
- Trainer: Mark Casse
- Owner: Tracy Farmer
- Breeder: Tracy Farmer
- Pedigree: By Street Sense out of Cara Caterina.
- Odds: 6-1
- Analysis: La Cara enters off a career-best effort in the Ashland Stakes (G1). Her tactical speed and recent form make her a major player.
8. Five G
- Jockey: Manuel Franco
- Trainer: George Weaver
- Owner: Gatsas Stables
- Breeder: Gatsas Stable LLC
- Pedigree: By Vekoma out of Triumphant.
- Odds: 12-1
- Analysis: Five G has been improving with each start and enters off a strong performance. Her pedigree suggests she’ll relish the distance.
9. Tenma
- Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
- Trainer: Bob Baffert
- Owner: Baoma Corporation
- Breeder: B Flay Thoroughbreds
- Pedigree: By Nyquist out of Amagansett.
- Odds: 12-1
- Analysis: Tenma is a consistent performer with multiple stakes wins. Her pedigree and recent form make her a strong contender.
10. Take Charge Milady
- Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr.
- Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek
- Owner: James Ball, Magdalena Racing, and Kenneth Rhodes
- Breeder: Merriebelle Stable, LLC
- Pedigree: By Take Charge Indy out of Price too High.
- Odds: 12-1
- Analysis: Take Charge Milady is a versatile filly with a strong pedigree. She’s a major player in this field.
11. Good Cheer
- Jockey: Luis Saez
- Trainer: Brad H. Cox
- Owner: Godolphin, LLC
- Breeder: Godolphin
- Pedigree: By Medaglia d’Oro out of Wedding Toast.
- Odds: 6-5 (Favorite)
- Analysis: Good Cheer is the undefeated favorite with a perfect 6-for-6 record. Her pedigree and dominance make her the one to beat.
12. Anna’s Promise
- Jockey: Junior Alvarado
- Trainer: Carlos A. David
- Owner: Bell Racing, LLC
- Breeder: Baron Thoroughbreds, LLC
- Pedigree: By Promises Fulfilled out of Caroline Lois.
- Odds: 30-1
- Analysis: Anna’s Promise is a longshot but has shown flashes of potential. She’ll need to step up to compete with the top contenders.
13. Bless the Broken
- Jockey: John R. Velazquez
- Trainer: William Walden
- Owner: Cypress Creek Equine, LLC and Madaket Stables, LLC
- Breeder: Cypress Creek Equine, LLC
- Pedigree: By Laoban out of The Nightingale.
- Odds: 30-1
- Analysis: Bless the Broken is a closer who could capitalize on a fast pace. Her recent form makes her an intriguing longshot.
14. Quietside
- Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
- Trainer: John Alexander Ortiz
- Owner: Shortleaf Stable, Inc.
- Breeder: Shortleaf Stable
- Pedigree: By Malibu Moon out of Benner Island.
- Odds: 8-1
- Analysis: Quietside is a consistent performer with multiple stakes wins. Her pedigree and recent form make her a strong contender.
Race Outlook
Good Cheer enters as the overwhelming favorite, but La Cara, Quietside, and Ballerina d’Oro are strong challengers. Simply Joking and Bless the Broken could also make an impact with the right trip. The Kentucky Oaks promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the best 3-year-old fillies in the sport.
