LOUISVILLE, KY – The 152nd running of the $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) is shaping up to be a wide-open betting race, with Repole Stable’s Zany tabbed as just a lukewarm 4-1 morning line favorite in a field of 14 (plus three also-eligibles).
Set for Friday at Churchill Downs, the Oaks will be run at 1 1/8 miles with a scheduled post time of 8:40 p.m. ET, headlining a 13-race card.
Zany Leads, But Far From a Slam Dunk
Trained by four-time Oaks winner Todd Pletcher, Zany (4-1) enters as the favorite—but not an overwhelming one. She opened her career a perfect 3-for-3 before finishing second last out in the Ashland Stakes (G1) at Keeneland behind Percy’s Bar.
Irad Ortiz Jr. retains the mount and will break from post 2 as Zany looks to give Pletcher his fifth Oaks win, adding to victories with Malathaat, Princess of Sylmar, Rags to Riches, and Ashado.
Meaning Right There at 5-1
Just behind her on the morning line is Meaning (5-1), who comes in off a strong win in the Santa Anita Oaks (G2). Trained by Michael McCarthy, she’s won three of four starts and continues to trend the right way.
Juan Hernandez gets the call from post 5, and she’s one of the more logical alternatives if Zany falters.
Explora & Percy’s Bar Add Depth at 6-1
Two major players sit just behind the top pair at 6-1:
- Percy’s Bar (6-1) – A Grade 1-caliber filly who crossed the wire first in the Alcibiades (G1) before being disqualified. She also ran a sneaky-good third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). She comes in off a win over Zany in the Ashland and will break from post 11 with Luan Machado aboard.
- Explora (6-1) – The consistent runner from Bob Baffert’s barn, who has been favored in all seven career starts. She exits a win in the Honeybee Stakes (G3) and draws the rail with Flavien Prat aboard.
Baffert Brings Multiple Bullets
Baffert doesn’t stop with Explora—he’ll also send out Bottle of Rouge (20-1), a Grade 1 winner who took the Del Mar Debutante last summer and recently added the Virginia Oaks.
Two-time Oaks-winning rider Mike Smith gets the mount from post 8, giving her some sneaky upside at a price.
Cox Eyes Back-to-Back Wins
Brad Cox, who won this race last year, looks to repeat with Prom Queen (8-1). She dominated the Gulfstream Park Oaks and enters in strong form, drawing post 10 with Javier Castellano aboard.
Other Contenders Worth a Look
- Bella Ballerina (10-1) – A live longshot for trainer Brendan Walsh, she’s a half-sister to 2023 Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous and owns a solid resume. Tyler Gaffalione rides from post 12.
- Always a Runner (10-1) – Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Jose Ortiz, she brings consistency and could fit underneath in exotics.
- Dazzling Dame (30-1) – Don’t completely ignore her—Luis Saez knows how to win this race and could spice up the trifecta.
Full 2026 Kentucky Oaks Field (Post Positions & Odds)
- Explora (Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert, 6-1)
- Zany (Irad Ortiz Jr., Todd Pletcher, 4-1)
- Search Party (Cristian Torres, Mark Casse, 30-1)
- Counting Stars (Francisco Arrieta, Mark Casse, 8-1)
- Meaning (Juan Hernandez, Michael McCarthy, 5-1)
- My Miss Mo (Micah Husbands, Saffie Joseph Jr., 20-1)
- Dazzling Dame (Luis Saez, Brittany Russell, 30-1)
- Bottle of Rouge (Mike Smith, Bob Baffert, 20-1)
- Always a Runner (Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown, 10-1)
- Prom Queen (Javier Castellano, Brad Cox, 8-1)
- Percy’s Bar (Luan Machado, Ben Colebrook, 10-1)
- Pashmina (Ramon Vazquez, Rob Atras, 30-1)
- Brooklyn Blonde (Kazushi Kimura, Michael McCarthy, 30-1)
- AE: Lovely Grey (Dylan Davis, Kelsey Danner, 30-1)
- AE: Nycon (Jaime Torres, Whit Beckman, 50-1)
- AE: Resist (Brian Hernandez Jr., Tommy Drury Jr., 50-1)
Two Days. One Edge. Total Domination.
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