Kentucky Oaks A Showcase For Three-Year-Old Fillies

BusinessSportsMoneyKentucky Oaks A Showcase For Three-Year-Old FilliesByDanny Brewer,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Danny Brewer has been covering Thoroughbred racing since 2006.Follow AuthorApr 26, 2026, 11:50am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Prom Queen was much the best in winning the Florida Oaks for trainer Brad Cox and will be a horse to consider in the Kentucky OaksSusie Raisher The Kentucky Oaks is the full sister to the much more famous Kentucky Derby. Same as its beloved brother, the Oaks has been contested for 152 consecutive years at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. A race for three-year-old females, this mile and an eighth test has crowned many a dirt diva over the years as best in their class. The 2026 edition offers an extremely balance field of fourteen. Which of these fillies will wear that lovely blanket of lilies? Let’s take a look at the entrants and provide a thought on each. The runners will be listed by post position with trainer, jockey, and morning line. The Oaks has a purse of $1.5 million and will be run on May 1. It is carded as race 13 with an expected post time of 8:40 pm eastern.1 Explora (Bob Baffert, Flavien Prat 6-1)- In seven career starts, this daughter of Blame has four wins and three second place finishes. Won the Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn in her last start on March 1. Jockey/trainer combo is a for sure play especially at 6-1. The rail draw likely means she will play catch me if you can.2 Zany (Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz 4-1)- Morning line favorite was second in Ashland Stakes at Keeneland on April 3 but has been victorious in her other three career starts by a combiner 17 ½ lengths. Daughter of American Pharoah looks the part and trainer has four previous wins in the Oaks. One to consider for sure.3 Search Party (Mark Casse, Critian Torres 30-1)- Won the Martha Washington at Oaklaw...