Full Field Set for Kentucky Oaks

By Margaret Ransom

If anyone thought that somehow, by virtue of Unique Bella’s defection from this year’s $1 million Kentucky Oaks (GI) due to injury, the race lots its luster, nothing could be further from the truth. A top-notch, talent-filled field will line up and face the starter for the Run for the Lilies, including nine graded stakes winners in the field of 14.

Over the course of history, the Oaks has been run at several distances from 1 1/16 miles to 1 1/2 miles, but has been contested at the current nine furlongs since 1982. Unfortunately the rainy weather that’s plagued the Louisville area will continue through the day on Friday, so a wet track is likely for the nine-furlong Oaks, which has been carded as the 11^thrace on the 12-race card.

Since it was first contested in 1875, some amazing ladies have worn the blanket of Oaks lilies after a victory, including Modesty, Princess Doreen, Black Maria, Easter Stockings, Alcibiades, Wistful, Real Delight, Cicada, Blue Norther, Dark Mirage, Susan’s Girl, Bold ’n Determined, Princess Rooney, Fran’s Valentine Open Mind, Lite Light, Silverbulleday, Bird Town, Ashado, Rags to Riches, Blind Luck, and, perhaps most notably, 2009’s Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra.

In many ways, this year’s Oaks…(more)

 

 

For a complete list of the owner’s silks and colors for the Kentucky Oaks runners, go to: Oaks Silks

Click for last-minute wagering on Kentucky Oaks fillies.