Good Cheer remains undefeated with an imposing win in the Kentucky Oaks

Good Cheer, with Luis Saez in the saddle, triumphed in the 151st edition of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday. Defeating a dozen competitors, Good Cheer secured her seventh consecutive victory by a comfortable margin of 3 lengths, despite facing a damp track and a challenging wide trip.

Under the guidance of Luis Saez, the Medaglia d’Oro filly initially raced in the middle of the pack before making a decisive move on the final stretch. With a powerful surge, she overtook her rivals on the outside and cruised to the lead with ease on the lengthy Churchill Downs stretch. Drexel Hill finished in second place, while Bless the Broken and Tenma claimed the third and fourth positions, respectively.

Trainer Brad Cox, who clinched his third Kentucky Oaks victory, commended Saez for his strategic handling of Good Cheer during the race. Good Cheer, owned by Godolphin, the racing entity of Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been on an impressive winning streak since her debut last August at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Having secured her first Grade I victory in the Kentucky Oaks, Good Cheer’s team expressed high hopes for her future in prominent races for 3-year-old fillies, including a potential appearance at the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in the fall. Saez, reflecting on his achievement, expressed gratitude for realizing his dream of competing in prestigious races in the United States.

The Kentucky Oaks, equivalent to the Kentucky Derby for fillies, holds significant importance in the thoroughbred breeding industry. The race, which took place on a sloppy track due to adverse weather conditions, remains a pivotal event for prospective broodmares in the future. As Godolphin eyes its first Kentucky Derby victory with contenders like East Avenue and Sovereignty, the racing world eagerly anticipates the outcome of this renowned event.