Favored Good Cheer Draws Post 11 for Kentucky Oaks
Kentucky Oaks (G1) morning-line favorite Good Cheer will begin her journey from post 11 when the undefeated daughter of Medaglia d'Oro faces an expected 13 other 3-year-old fillies in the 1 1/8-mile test May 2 at Churchill Downs. The $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks is scheduled as the 11th race Friday with an expected post time of 5:51 p.m. In a draw conducted after the fifth race Saturday evening at Churchill, post positions were selected for the 14 accomplished fillies. Entered off a 3 1/4-length score in the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), Godolphin homebred Good Cheer will attempt to extend her perfect record to seven races Friday for trainer Brad Cox and regular rider Luis Saez. "I think most any spot would have suited her, so we were pretty relaxed about the whole thing," said Godolphin director of bloodstock Michael Banahan. "I think Post 11 will be perfect for her. She's pretty uncomplicated and straightforward." Good Cheer is listed at 6-5 on the morning line as Cox looks for his third win in the race, while Saez will try to secure his second. The second choice on the morning line is Ashland Stakes (G1) winner La Cara at 6-1, followed by Fantasy Stakes (G2) victor Quietside at 8-1 and Gazelle Stakes (G3) winner Ballerina d'Oro at 10-1. BloodHorse will fully preview this race Monday.