Standing as one of the most anticipated racing events of the year, the 2013 Kentucky Oaks is set to start on Friday, May 3rd at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. The 139th running of the race will once again put 3-year-old fillies to the test for 11⁄8 miles, but this time the 14 starters will be decided by a point system, rather than the usual graded stakes earnings. The “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” points system features 35 stakes races that are divided into three phases: the Kentucky Oaks Prep Season (20 races), the Kentucky Oaks Championship Series (14 races), and the "Wild Card" round (1 race). The top 14 point earners will earn a spot in the Kentucky Oaks starting gate if at least 14 horses enter the race, and if there is a tie, earnings in non-restricted stakes races will determine the winner.
The Kentucky Derby’s “little sister” also serves as a great celebration for cancer survivors. Once again, those who make their way to the heralded event are encouraged to dress in pink, both as recognition of survivors and in honor of the Oaks official flower, the Stargazer lily. Last year, Beleive You Can, jockeyed by Rosie Napravnik and owned by Brereton C. Jones, won the Kentucky Oaks Trophy with a time of 1:49:50. The fillie edged out Broadway's Alibi and jockey John Velazquez in the final furlong to take home the $1 million prize. This year, Pure Fun, Blonde Fog, Dreaming of Julia, Rose To Gold, Fiftyshadesofhay, and Beholder are all looking like strong contenders to secure the victory. This Grade I Stakes race is sure to be a crowd pleaser, so purchase your 2013 Kentucky Oaks tickets as soon as possible to witness the lucky winner don the “Lillies for the Fillies.”
