Good Cheer makes it a magnificent seven in Kentucky Oaks

May 02, 2025 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Good Cheer shown winning the Golden Rod (Photo by Coady Media)

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

Sent off as the 6-5 favorite with jockey Luis Saez, the Brad Cox filly launched a bold rally out wide turning for home and splashed clear. Good Cheer negotiated 1 1/8 miles on the sloppy track in 1:50.15.

Longshots Drexel Hill and Bless the Broken, both trained by Whit Beckman, closed for second and third, respectively. Tenma held fourth after pressing the pace set by La Cara.

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

🎥 TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/oSv5L4EJm2

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

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