The Kentucky Oaks is always about happiness and smiles galore as the prelude to the world’s most famous horse race. And yes, the 151st running on May 2, 2025 had plenty of Good Cheer.
A talent laden field of thirteen went to post for the first jewel of the triple tierra with an unbeaten filly taking most of the action at the wagering windows. Good Cheer had done absolutely nothing wrong coming into the Oaks with six wins in six starts at three different tracks. This Brad Cox trained filly had given her connections plenty to smile about to this point. Based on the tote board, if this Godolphin owned filly could keep winning there would be plenty of people grinning.
When the gates opened Good Cheer broke and settled mid -pack. Chasing hot early fractions (22.58 opening quarter) , jockey Luis Saez moved his unbeaten filly into the clear on the outside as the runners rolled up the back stretch. Understanding he had plenty of horse, the veteran rider rolled wide and booted his charge to the lead at the top of the home stretch. Cheesing her way to the lead, Good Cheer rolled clear of everyone else and smiled her way to the wire. Coming home 2 ¼ lengths to the good, this daughter of Medaglia d’Oro left no doubt she was the best filly in the race.
“There is a little pressure when you are the favorite”, says Brad Cox, who has now conditioned three Kentucky Oaks winners. “You just go to work everyday and work hard hoping things work out. Today they did and I am very thankful to have a talented filly like this in our barn.”
Good Cheer returned $4.78 on a $2 win wager. Drexel Hill closed for second with Bless the Broken and Tenma competing the superfecta ($1 paid $4826.35)
