Just as she led the field in the Rachel Alexandra, Good Cheer leads the nominations. (Hodges Photography/Amanda Hodges Weir)
In Early Longines Kentucky Oaks Nominations
Derby/Oaks Update
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Godolphin’s undefeated Good Cheer tops a list of 117 3-year-old fillies nominated to the 151st running of the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (Grade I), set for Friday, May 2 at Churchill Downs.
A total of 117 fillies were made eligible to compete in the 1 1/8-mile Longines Kentucky Oaks through a $200 early nomination payment that closed Saturday, Feb. 15, marking a 12.5% increase from last year’s total of 104 nominees. A $1,500 late nomination deadline is available through Wednesday, April 9.
Trained by Brad Cox, Good Cheer is a perfect 5-for-5 in her career. She capped her 2-year-old season with a victory in the Golden Rod Stakes (GII) at Churchill Downs and recently opened her 3-year-old campaign with a dominant score in the Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra Stakes (GII) at Fair Grounds.
Other top nominees include Muhimma, winner of the Demoiselle (GII); Tenma, winner of the Las Virgenes (GIII); Eclatant, winner of the Forward Gal (GIII); La Cara, winner of the Pocahontas (GIII); and Japan-based Myriad Love (JPN), who is undefeated in three starts including the Zen Nippon Nisai Yushun on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Like the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI), the Longines Kentucky Oaks has been held annually since 1875. The race is the highlight of a day-long celebration at Churchill Downs featuring world-class racing, fashion, food and a focus on women’s health and community initiatives.
