Undefeated Good Cheer Gives Medaglia d’Oro a Third Winner of the Kentucky Oaks

[Wandering Eyes]

Sent off right at her morning-line odds of 6-5, Godolphin's GOOD CHEER (f, 3, Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) provided her sensational Darley America-based stallion with his third winner of the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks, sustaining an irresistible run from three furlongs out to stamp her dominance on America's greatest and most important race for the 3-year-old filly set. The homebred becomes the second Oaks winner in the space of three years for Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation, joining Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) in 2023, a third winner of the Oaks since 2018 for trainer Brad Cox (Monomoy Girl, Shedaresthedevil) and a second riding victory for Luis Saez (Secret Oath, 2022). Drawn in gate 10 in a field reduced to 13 by the earlier scratching of GII Gulfstream Park Oaks winner Five G (Vekoma), Good Cheer was void of early speed and was settled in mid-division by Saez, as GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes heroine La Cara (Street Sense) sparred on the front end with the once-beaten California raider Tenma (Nyquist). Kept out of harm's way and out of the kickback over a track rendered sloppy by rains that struck greater Louisville around 4 p.m., Good Cheer was given her cue about three furlongs out and caught the eye with a five- or six-wide sweep around 'TDN Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) as heads were turned for home. Tenma got the better of the pace battle with La Cara, but Good Cheer began to bear down approaching the eighth pole, took command soon after and set sail for home. When all was said and done, she had about three lengths on Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro) and Bless the Broken (Laoban) in third. Medaglia d'Oro also accounted for Oaks winners Rachel Alexandra (2009) and Plum Pretty (2011). Lifetime Record: 7-7-0-0. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad Cox.

 

Good Cheer stays perfect in the Kentucky Oaks!! @bradcoxracing @luissaezpty @godolphin

TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/oSv5L4EJm2

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 2, 2025

 

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