2023 Kentucky Oaks live, think pink, how to watch free
The 149th running of the 2023 Kentucky Oaks traditionally takes place the Friday before Kentucky Derby day. This year the date falls on Friday 5 May 2023, 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, and 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 does the Kentucky Oaks start?
Kentucky Oaks is traditionally started on Friday and begins at 10:30 am – 7:00 pm at Churchill Downs before the derby day.
What’s the schedule for Kentucky Oaks?
Number of races: 13
Gates open at 9:30 a.m. ET
First post: 10:30 a.m. ET
Last post: 7:00 p.m. ET
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 Kentucky Oaks, Winners, trainer, jockey
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer |
| 2023 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2022 | Secret Oath | Luis Saez | D. Wayne Lukas |
| 2021 | Malathaat | John R. Velazquez | Todd A. Pletcher |
| 2020 | Shedaresthedevil | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox |
| 2019 | Serengeti Empress | José Ortiz | Tom Amoss |
| 2018 | Monomoy Girl | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox |
| 2017 | Abel Tasman | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert |
| 2016 | Cathryn Sophia | Javier Castellano | John Servis |
| 2015 | Lovely Maria | Kerwin Clark | J. Larry Jones |
| 2014 | Untapable | Rosie Napravnik | Steve Asmussen |
| 2013 | Princess of Sylmar | Mike E. Smith | Todd Pletcher |
| 2012 | Believe You Can | Rosie Napravnik | J. Larry Jones |
| 2011 | Plum Pretty | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert |
Odds are subject to change as race day and gate time are near. The field is limited to 14 horses with a maximum of 18.
