2021 Kentucky Oaks live, think pink, how to watch free
The 147th running of the 2021 Kentucky Oaks traditionally takes place the Friday before the Kentucky Derby day. This year the date falls on Friday, April 30, 2021, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race, which dates to 1875, is for qualified three-year-old fillies and now has a Think Pink Theme thanks to the color of lilies awarded to the winner.
The Kentucky Derby held the next day on the 2nd, is a race for three-year-old thoroughbreds, also has a flower-themed tradition. The race is often called the “Run for the Roses” due to the longtime tradition of the winner being awarded a blanket of roses.
What time do the Kentucky Oaks start?
Kentucky Oaks is traditionally started on Friday begins at 10:30 p.m. ET at Churchill Downs before the derby day.
What’s schedule on Kentucky Oaks?
Number of races: 13
Gates open: 9:30 a.m.
First post: 10:30 a.m.
Last post: 7 p.m.
Stakes: $1.25 million, Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks (3-year-old fillies, 1 1/8 miles, dirt); $500,000, Grade 1 La Troienne (fillies and mares 4 and up, 1 1/16 miles, dirt); $400,000, Grade 2 Alysheba (4-year-olds and up, 1 1/16 miles, dirt); $300,000, Grade 2 Eight Belles (3-year-old fillies, 7 furlongs, dirt); $300,000, Grade 2 Edgewood (3-year-old fillies, 1 1/16 miles, turf); $250,000, Grade 2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (3-year-olds and up, 5 ½ furlongs, turf)
Fillies qualify for the Kentucky Oaks by winning one of several races held across the country. The Oaks field, subject to scratches, has firmed up over the last few weeks and is limited to only fourteen fillies. The final three races on the “Road to Kentucky Oaks” have several more races on the points schedule including three in April prior to the Oaks.
The “Think Pink” color and event theme not only inspires people watching the race to wear pink, but it is now a race associated with raising Breast and Ovarian cancer awareness. Prior to the running of the Oaks, the track at Churchill Downs hosts the annual Survivors Parade in which survivors of Breast and Ovarian cancer walk the track.
Even though the race is run in May the field is being set and several fillies have risen to the top of the favorites list according to several betting sites. Malathaat is one of those horses.
Malathaat comes into the race at +1200 or 12/1 after winning two races at different and placing second at three different tracks. This shows the Louisville-born filly travels well and does not let different surroundings bother her.
Kentucky Oaks Basics:
Churchill Downs / Louisville, Kentucky
Track: dirt / one mile
Oaks race length: 1 1/8 miles
Weight/Jockey: 121 pounds
First run: 1875
Total Purse: 1.25 million
First: $750 thousand
TV coverage: NBC Sports
The 2021 Kentucky Oaks, Fillies, Post, trainer, jockey
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
| 1 | Pauline’s Pearl | Steve Asmussen | Ricardo Santana Jr. |
| 2 | Maracuja | Rob Atras | Kendrick Carmouche |
| 3 | Clairiere | Steve Asmussen | Tyler Gaffalione |
| 4 | Crazy Beautiful | Kenny McPeek | Jose Ortiz |
| 5 | Pass the Champagne | George Weaver | Javier Castellano |
| 6 | Travel Column | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux |
| 7 | Ava’s Grace | Robertino Diodoro | David Cohen |
| 8 | Moraz | Michael McCarthy | Flavien Prat |
| 9 | Coach | Brad Cox | Luis Saez |
| 10 | Malathaat | Todd Pletcher | John Velazquez |
| 11 | Will’s Secret | Dallas Stewart | Jon Court |
| 12 | Search Results | Chad Brown | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
| 13 | Competitive Speed | Javier Gonzalez | Chris Landeros |
| 14 | Millefeuille | Bill Mott | Joel Rosario |
Odds are subject to change as race day and gate time nears. The field is limited to 14 horses with a maximum of 18.