The 2020 running of the Kentucky Oaks traditionally takes place the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. This year the date falls on Friday, May 1st, 2020 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race, which dates to 1875, if 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.
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. British Idiom is one of those horses.
British Idiom 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
Oaks Fillies Early List
Venetian Harbor +500 5/1
Bast +500 5/1
Finite +600 6/1
Taraz +750 15/2
British Idiom +1200 12/1
Donna Veloce +1200 12/1
Tonalists Shape +1200 12/1
Lake Avenue +1800 18/1
Lucrezia +2000 20/1
Maedean +2000 20/1
Perfect Alibi +2000 20/1
Wicked Whisper +2000 20/1
Two Sixty +5000 50/1
I Dare U 2500 25/1
Lazy Daisy +2500 25/1
Pass The Plate +3300 33/1
Tempers Rising +3300 33/1
Alandra +3300 33/1
Blame Debbie +5000 50/1
Comical +5000 50/1
K P Dreamin +6600 66/1
Odds are subject to change as race day and gate time nears. The field is limited to 14 horses with a maximum of 18.