Kentucky Oaks — Betting Preview and Picks (May 2)

A huge weekend is set for Churchill Downs, as the opening leg of the Triple Crown will be run on Saturday. However, before the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, all eyes will be on the fillies, as the Kentucky Oaks forms the headline race at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Odds

Kentucky Oaks Recent Winners

Kentucky Oaks: Event Information

Event Preview

One of the biggest weekends in the U.S. horse racing schedule is set for this weekend, with the two-day spectacular headlined by the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. However, before the attention switches to the colts, the focus will be on the girls on Friday, as the 2025 Kentucky Oaks will be staged.

Good Cheer will be the horse that all the fillies will need to meet. The Brad Cox runner has won six from six, including three wins at Churchill Downs. Her dominance on track has been reflected by the fact that no rival has yet gotten within two lengths of the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro. Bested reappearing rival Quietside in the Golden Rod on her latest effort.

Simply Joking will have Florent Geroux aboard this weekend, but the three-year-old has just under a length to find on Quietside after being beaten by her reappearing rival in the G2 Fantasy Stakes last time. However, there would be few shocks to see that form reversed on Friday.

Fondly will be a big price for Graham Motion, despite boasting a progressive profile. The three-year-old stepped up in distance effortlessly when landing the Virginia Oaks, and there could be more to come with Irad Ortiz Jr once again taking the ride.

Tenma is a respected runner for the Bob Baffert yard after winning on both of her starts this season, with last season’s winning connections are represented by the battle-hardened Take Charge Milady. Five G could also be a runner of note for exotics players after winning impressively from Anna’s Promise in the G2 Gulfstream Park Oaks last time out.

Kentucky Oaks Picks

Good Cheer is a must for all exotics this weekend, while Take Charge Milady and Five G could out-run their odds. However, I’m a huge fan of Mark Casse-trained La Cara, who is improving with every run.

The Three-year-old held off Take Charge Milady in the G1 Ashland Stakes last time out, and the extra distance this week could bring out further improvement. Has previous winning experience at Churchill Downs, and is a consistent performer in stakes company after winning three from five starts.