The Kentucky Oaks, a prestigious race for three-year-old fillies, will take place on May 1 with a $1.5 million purse. This year's edition features a balanced field of fourteen horses, including the promising Prom Queen.
Key points
Kentucky Oaks is for three-year-old fillies
Scheduled for May 1 with a $1.5 million purse
152 consecutive years at Churchill Downs
Features a balanced field of fourteen horses
Prom Queen is a notable contender
Mentioned in this story
Churchill Downs
Kentucky Oaks
Prom Queen the GP Oaks credit Susie Raisher2
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 Oaks
Susie 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 Oaklawn Park on February 6 and was second in the Fantasy Stakes also at Oaklawn on March 27. Daughter of Gun Runner has been in top three in six of eight career starts and usually likes to stalk the pace. Post draw means she needs to go early.
4 Counting Stars (Mark Casse, Francisco Arrietta 8-1)- Fantasy Stakes winner broke her maiden at first asking at Churchill Downs in 2025. Has seemed to be a filly on the improve as she closed stoutly in finishing a close second in the Honeybee Stakes. Trainer has been hot this year and that means she could be the Star that’s Counting at the end.
Q&A
What is the date and purse for the 2026 Kentucky Oaks?
The 2026 Kentucky Oaks is scheduled for May 1 and has a purse of $1.5 million.
Who are the notable entrants in the 2026 Kentucky Oaks?
Notable entrants include Prom Queen and Explora, both of whom have shown strong performances in recent races.
How long has the Kentucky Oaks been held?
The Kentucky Oaks has been contested for 152 consecutive years at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
What is the distance of the Kentucky Oaks race?
The Kentucky Oaks is a mile and an eighth race specifically for three-year-old fillies.
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5 Meaning (Michael McCarthy, Juan Hernandez 5-1)- Three wins in four career starts for this West Coast based runner and two for two this year means she gets a hard look. Has been fantastic at stalking the pace and running strong down the stretch. Never raced outside California but is a Gun Runner filly. Hmmmm
Meaning a2 200
Meaning and jockey Juan Hernandez win the Grade II $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA. The 3-year old daughter of Gun Runner is owned by Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and trained by Michael McCarthy who also saddled the second place finisher, Brooklyn Blonde. Benoit Photo
BENOIT PHOTO
6 My Miss Mo (Saffie Joseph Jr., Micah Husbands 20-1)- Florida-bred daughter of Uncle Mo has five career starts, all at Gulfstream Park, and one win. Finished second in both the Davona Dale and Florida Oaks. Needs to improve to be there in this one. Not likely to happen.
7 Dazzling Dame (Brittany Russell, Luis Saez 30-1)-Maryland-bred has four wins in six career starts. Was a distant second in Virginia Oaks in last start. Jockey is top-notch and she was an 11 ½ length winner in previous start at Aqueduct. That however was not against horses of this caliber. Would be surprised if she Dazzles here.
8 Bottle of Rouge (Bob Baffert, Milke Smith 20-1)-Four wins in six career starts and two for two this year. Trainer has won this race three times and Big Money Mike in the saddle is never a bad thing. Virginia Oaks win in last start was solid and she is our longshot play for sure.
9 Always a Runner (Chad Brown, Jose Ortiz 10-1)-Lightly raced daughter of Gun Runner is a perfect two for two in her career. Won the Gazelle Stakes in her last start and has a hot rider at Churchill in Jose Ortiz. Big step for this inexperienced daughter of Gun Runner.
10 Prom Queen (Brad Cox, Javier Castellano 8-1)- Florida Oaks champ runs for a conditioner that has won the Oaks three times since 2018 including last year with Good Cheer. A big striding daughter of Quality Road that has two wins and a second in three carer starts. Certainly draws major consideration, especially if you can get that price.
11 Percy’s Bar (Ben Colebrook, Luan Machado 6-1)-Ran huge in winning Ashland Stakes in her only start this year. Has finished in top three in all six career starts with three wins. Local connections means she will likely draw attention at the window. Has talent for sure, but did she run too good in her last start?
12 Bella Ballerina (Brendan Walsh, Tyler Gafflione 10-1)-Tough running daughter of Street Sense has three wins and a second in four career starts including a victory at Churchill Downs. Finished second in Fair Grounds Oaks last out. Trainer and jockey teamed up to win the 2023 Kentucky Oaks. Our top selection to dance to the winner’s circle and the price makes her especially nice.
Bella Ballerina_2-14-26_IR
Bella Ballerina has won three of four lifetime starts and is our top pick in the 2026 Kentucky Oaks
Lou Hodges
13 Pashmina (Rob Atras, Ramon Vazquez 30-1)- Winless this year but was second in Gazelle Stakes and third in Sunland Park Oaks. Daughter of Constitution has one win in six career starts and don’t think gets it done here.
14 Brooklyn Blonde (Michael McCarthy, Kazushi Kimura 30-1)- Granddaughter of Henny Hughes ran second in Santa Anita Oaks and has one win in four lifetime starts. Big step up in company and not sure this Blonde will have more fun in this race.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
