Pretty Mischievous had much going against her in the 149th Longines Kentucky Oaks on Friday at Churchill Downs. Check out Kentucky Oaks winner
Pretty Mischievous wins Kentucky Oaks 149.
Pretty Mischievous took charge in the stretch and survived a late push by Gambling Girl to win the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks by a neck on Friday at Churchill Downs.
The Brendan Walsh-trained filly started from the No. 14 post at 10-1 odds and stayed within sight of pacesetters Flying Connection and Defining Purpose through the far turn before making her move through the turn for home.
Pretty Mischievous broke clear entering the stretch and kept charging even as Gambling Girl rallied from the outside, holding on for her fifth career win in seven starts and giving Godolphin Racing its first win in the premier race for 3-year-old fillies.
Pretty Mischievous covered 1 1/8 mile in 1:49.77 under jockey Tyler Caffalione and paid $22.74, $10.10 and $7.40.
Gambling Girl returned $12.84 and $8.36, while The Alys Look paid $13.80 while finishing 2 1/2 lengths back in third.
Fourth was 5-2 race favorite Wet Paint, The Alys Look’s stablemate and one of three fillies trained by Louisville-based Brad Cox along with Botanical, the 4-1 second choice who finished 10th.
Neither horse was a factor entering the backstretch, though Wet Paint recovered to get near the leaders at the stretch.
Most appreciative was owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.
As he pursues his ultimate prize, Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin can savor a breakthrough in the Oaks.
“Sheikh Mohammed has developed a beautiful broodmare band here in the U.S.,” said Michael Banahan, bloodstock director for Godolphin. “I think we are reaping the rewards with the horses we’ve had over the last couple of years.