Repole Stable’s Kentucky-bred Zany has been installed as the 4-1 morning line favorite in a field of 14 for the 152nd running of the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) to be run Friday, May 1. A total of 11-of-13 runners are bred in Kentucky and also include Ashland S. (G1) winner Percy’s Bar (pictured).
Trained by four-time Oaks winner Todd Pletcher, Zany started her career 3-for-3 and sustained her first setback three weeks ago in the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland with a runner-up finish to Percy’s Bar. Irad Ortiz Jr., who was board for the Ashland as well as victories in the Demoiselle (G2) and Suncoas, has the mount from post 2. Pletcher’s Oaks winners consist of Malathaat (2021), Princess of Sylmar (2013), Rags to Riches (2007) and Ashado (2004).
Second choice on the morning line at 5-1 is Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Meaning. Winner of the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) in her most recent start, Meaning has won three of four starts for trainer Michael McCarthy. Juan Hernandez has the mount from post 5.
G1 Ashland Winner Percy’s Bar Co-Third Choice in Oaks
Hat Creek Racing’s Percy’s Bar and Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman’s Explora are the co-third choices on the morning line at 6-1.
Percy’s Bar was first to the finish in last fall’s Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland but was disqualified for interference in the stretch. She followed that effort with a troubled third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). Luan Machado has the mount from post 11.
Trained by three-time Oaks winner Bob Baffert, Explora won the Honeybee (G3) in her most recent start to improve her record to 7-4-3-0. Explora has been favored in all seven of her starts. Flavien Prat has the mount from post 1. Baffert’s most recent Oaks winner was Abel Tasman. Previous winners were Plum Pretty in 2011 and the Pegram-owned Silverbulletday in 1999.
Brad Cox Seeks Oaks Repeat with Prom Queen
Three-time winner Brad Cox, who won the 2025 running with Good Cheer, will try to go back to back with Gary and Mary West’s Prom Queen (8-1). Daylight winner of the Gulfstream Park Oaks, Prom Queen has won two of three starts and will be ridden by Javier Castellano from post 10.
Brendan Walsh will go for a second Oaks victory with Bella Ballerina (10-1). A half-sister to 2023 Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous and winner of three of four starts, Bella Ballerina won the Golden Rod (G2) at Churchill last fall and most recently was second in the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2). Tyler Gaffalione, who rode Pretty Mischievous to the Oaks victory, has the call on Bella Ballerina who will start from post 12.
The field for the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) from the rail out:
Explora (KY)
Zany (KY)
Search Party (KY)
Counting Stars (KY)
Meaning (KY)
My Miss Mo (FL)
Dazzling Dame (MD)
Always a Runner (KY)
Prom Queen (KY)
Percy’s Bar (KY)
Pashmina (KY)
Brooklyn Blonde (KY)
Lovely Grey (KY)
AE: Nycon (KY)
AE: Resist (KY)