Godolphin’s Kentucky-bred Good Cheer remained undefeated and notched the initial Grade 1 win of her career with an impressive score in the 151st running of the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 2.
Ridden by Luis Saez and trained by Brad Cox, Good Cheer settled in mid-pack in seventh position early. She crept closer to the pacesetters five-wide on the turn for home after chasing fast early fractions of :22.58, :46.78, and 1:11.36 over a fast (sealed) track. Good Cheer sustained her charge through the lane, driving past the leaders at the furlong marker. She drew clear late to win by 2 ¼ lengths over a rallying Drexel Hill and Bless the Broken, who completed a Kentucky-bred sweep of the top three placings. Good Cheer covered the distance in 1:50.15.
“We know she is a very special filly,” said Saez at the post-race press conference. “She’s undefeated. Of course, we were a little nervous, but I know she had a lot of talent. And I rode her confidently because we know she’s going to make a big move.”
Good Cheer Remains Undefeated
With the win, Good Cheer improved her record to a perfect 7-for-7. The daughter of Medaglia d’Oro-Wedding Toast, by Street Sense, has now amassed career earnings of more than $1.7 million for Godolphin.
“We knew there was some speed in the race,” said Brad Cox. “We thought there were four or five fillies that would kind of be in front of us. Luis did a good job, I think. (He) put here in a good position going into the first turn, saved a little bit of ground, and then just kind of kept her out of trouble going into the far turn. The only thing I told Luis is 1 1/8 (miles) is her friend. And it’s a long way around there. So, just get a good position and be patient. He did a great job. He’s rode her in all but one start, and he’s done a fantastic job. He’s perfect on her, and she’s perfect and very proud of her.”
In addition to winning the Kentucky Oaks, Good Cheer has also won the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), and the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2) this season, and the Golden Rod Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs last year at two.