Kentucky Oaks 2020

Mucho Macho Man

The Kentucky Oaks 2020 has Finite and Venetian Harbor heading the betting.

The race was first run in 1875 and is now run over 1 1/8 miles at Churchill Downs in Kentucky, Louisville.

There is a strong correlation between this race and the Epsom Oaks in the UK. The Kentucky Oaks is a US horse race for three-year-old thoroughbred fillies.

Looking at the race in more detail it is considered to be one of the most popular horse races in American society given the attendance is over 60,000.

The most wins by an owner is Calumet Farm having won the race six times. Wonody Stephens has trained the most winners with five, of which the last of these was in 1981.

Two jockeys have won the race four times, Eddie Arcaro and Manual Ycaza while the horse Lemons Forever won the race in 2006 with the largest ever odds of 47/1.

The race in 2009 in particular stands out. as the winner, Rachel Alexandra, pulled clear of her rivals by a record breaking 20 1/4 lengths.

Last year’s race was a top encounter won by Serengeti Empress and ridden by top jockey Jose Ortiz which provided a first winner in the race for trainer Tom Amoss.

Churchill Downs Racetrack

Preview of the Kentucky Oaks 2020

This year’s Kentucky Oaks, held on Friday 1st May, promises to be one to remember given the quality of the horses likely to line up in the race.

In Bovada, Finite is the favorite who showed a good attitude as a two-year-old. The filly came out on top in a race at Churchill Downs last November, having also won a 6 ½ furlong sprint in September beating twelve rivals.

Finite's most recent success came in a grade 2 run over 1m 1/2f for 3yo fillies at Fair Grounds in February.

One horse who has put themselves in the frame for a good run is Venetian Harbor. Having not run as a two-year-old, the horse was impressive at Santa Anita last month over a mile, so anticipation from the market shows this is a horse to keep on side in the odds at Bovada.

Another horse with a 100% record is Tonalists Shape who has won two races so far, both of which came at Gulfstream Park in February 2020. Tonalists Shape looks as good as Venetian Harbor and both will fancy their chances at Churchill Downs.

The final horse to mention for the race this year is Spice Is Nice who finished second to Tonalists Shape at Gulfstream Park in February 2020 by 1 ¼ lengths but won their previous race comfortably by 12 lengths with top jockey J Velasquez on board. With some improvement on the cards Spice is Nice can run well in this year’s race.

TIPS

At this stage it bodes to side with Finite to win the Kentucky Oaks 2020. The horse has top form as both a two year old and also in her sole run as a three year old. Having previously beaten rivals who will line up against her gives Finite the edge in this hotly contested race.

It’s also worth giving a mention to Spice Is Nice as this horse can run well and could be backed each-way at a decent price. Currently double the odds of Tonalists Shape, and as the race they both ran in was very competitive, it could be worth siding with Spice Is Nice to gain a place.

Top Tips

4/1 (5.0) (+4000) Finite to win Kentucky Oaks

8/1 (9.0) (+8000) Spice is Nice each way 1/5 the odds 3 places

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