Good Cheer makes it a magnificent seven in Kentucky Oaks

May 02, 2025 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Godolphin's homebred Good Cheer extended her perfect record to 7-for-7 in Friday's $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs.

Sent off as the 1.39-1 favorite with jockey Luis Saez, the Brad Cox filly launched a bold rally out wide turning for home and splashed 2 1/4 lengths clear. Good Cheer negotiated 1 1/8 miles on the sloppy track in 1:50.15.

As track announcer Travis Stone aptly exclaimed, 'She's the toast of Kentucky!'

Longshots Drexel Hill and Bless the Broken closed from well back for second and third, respectively. Tenma held fourth after pressing the pace set by La Cara in fractions of :22.58, :46.78, and 1:11.36.

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

🎥 TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/oSv5L4EJm2

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 2, 2025

Anna's Promise rounded out the top five. Next came Quietside, Quickick, Early On, La Cara, Ballerina d'Oro, Fondly, Take Charge Milady, and Simply Joking. Five G was scratched.

Good Cheer, who returned $4.78, has won five straight stakes. Turning the Rags to Riches S. and Golden Rod (G2) double at Churchill last fall, she also swept the Rachel Alexandra (G2) and Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) in New Orleans this season.

Like Hall of Famer Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Oaks romper, Good Cheer is by Darley sire Medaglia d'Oro. She is his third Oaks winner, following Plum Pretty (2011).

Good Cheer is also the third Oaks winner for Cox, who sent out champion Monomoy Girl (2018) and Shedaresthedevil (2020). Saez's previous victory came aboard Secret Oath (2022).

Godolphin celebrated a second Kentucky Oaks victory, after champion Pretty Mischievous (2023). Sheikh Mohammed's global operation will try for an elusive Kentucky Derby (G1) trophy on Saturday with Sovereignty and East Avenue (a son of Medaglia d'Oro).

Good Cheer is a well-named daughter of multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Wedding Toast, by 2007 Derby champion Street Sense.

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